The Supreme Court empowered special committee of experts today submitted its final report to the apex court on the illegal mining in the reserved forests of Bellary district in Karnataka and recommended imposition of heavy penalties on the culprits and initiation of criminal proceedings against them.

The committee has recommended imposition of a fine of Rs. 5 Cr per hectare for illegal mining beyond the leased area and a fine of Rs.1 Cr for those who constructed roads in the prohibited area.

It said it has identified that 83 miners in Bellary, 16 miners in Chitradurga and 24 miners in Tumkur had resorted to illegal mining and recommended cancellation of their licenses.

The committee had suggested that the apex court should ask the state and central governments not to grant fresh licenses and leases for mining in the Bellary reserved forest area without its permission.

“The apex court should direct Karnataka and AP and the Centre not to issue fresh leases and licenses in their border till their border issue is settled,” and said it found only 16 companies eligible for obtaining fresh leases and licenses.

The committee said that the Karnataka government can get Rs.50, 000 Cr though auctions for mining in Bellary, Chitradurga and Tumkur districts. (JUBS)