Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (SP)

Karkala, Oct 17: Tippeswamy, who was deputed as acting tahsildar here for just 15 days, is learnt to have issued no objection letters to eight illegal mines in a hurry. These mining applications were pending since long because of strong opposition to illegal mines.

This information came out as a result of application made under to Right to Information Act. It said that most of the spots where these mines will be located are in deemed forest and tank encroachment areas.

After the previous tahsildar retired on October 1, Tippeswamy was deputed for two weeks in his place. As per information, he issued no objection letters to eight mine owners between October 1 and 11. These applications were pending because of objections on operating mines in deemed forest and tank encroachment areas.

There has been strong resentment against illegal mining in the taluk. Karkala Hitarakshana Vedike has also complained about this aspect to Lokayukta. The people, who are up in arms against illegal mines, are angry that the officials have been indirectly supporting illegal mines. No objection letters were issued for two mines in Kalya village, one in Nandalike, one in Shivapura, another in Miyyar, one in Kanajar, and one more mine in Marne village. The proposed mine at Shivapura had faced lot of protests, and even Upa Lokayukta had visited this area based on complaint.

Tippeswamy clarified that he had issued no objection letters for two mines only. He alleged that the staff and survey officials had misguided him by providing wrong information. Retired tahsildar, Raghavendra, said that these files had been kept pending during his tenure because of legal hurdles. About the no objection letters said to have been issued now, he said it was done at the discretion of the concerned officer.

Local range forest officer, Prakash Poojary, stressd that his department has not issued no objection letters for mines located within survey numbers falling under deemed forest. He added that he is not aware whether anyone has got mining licences without the letters of his department.