Bengaluru , Aug 17 (DHNS): The Supreme Court on Wednesday decided to seek expert opinion on the feasibility of projects such as conveyor belts, railway sidings and sub lines for the mineral-rich belt of Ballari, Tumakuru and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka.

The projects are to be executed using a Rs 20,000-crore fund collected under the Comprehensive Environmental Plan for Mining Impact Zone (CEPMIZ).

“Before we trigger any action, can we have views of some experts to ascertain if those projects are technically feasible,” a bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi, P C Pant and Navin Sinha said.

The court sought to know from senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Central Empowered Committee, if some expert body could examine the proposals to ensure the projects are completed using the CEPMIZ fund.

Divan said detailed project reports would be commissioned. Special Purpose Vehicle and Comptroller and Auditor General audit would also be required for the projects pertaining to conveyor belts, railways sidings and sub lines, particularly in Tumakuru and Davanagere, he said.

“We feel huge money would be required. The feasiblity of the projects, including its environmental prespective, should be examined,” the bench said.

Senior advocate Raju Ramachandra, appearing for Karnataka government, submitted that the state could make some suggestions.

The apex court, in its judgement on March 21, granted approval for integrated mining and railway infrastructure proposed under CEPMIZ for reclamation and rehabilitation of areas devastated by illegal mining.

The court posted the matter for consideration on August 24. The Karnataka government had constituted a Special Purpose Vehicle called Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation on June 13, 2014, following a direction by the apex court on a PIL filed by NGO Samaj Parivartan Samudaya.