The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee, has recommended cancellation of mining lease to firms owned by Karnataka Ministers G. Janardhan Reddy and G. Karunakar Reddy. The committee reported that, Obulapuram Mining Company had openly flouted various environmental laws in mining operations.


The committee also slammed government officials saying the violations could not have taken place without their connivance. The high-powered panel, which submitted its report on Friday to the Supreme Court, recommended cancellation of the lease to four different mines spread over 140 acres in Bellary reserve forest area.

In its 70-page report, the committee also said the lease deed of some of the mines were illegally extended by State government officials while in the case of others they were extended years after they actually expired.


Published Date : Saturday, 8/1/2011 4:13 PM IST