DHNS  
 
Bangalore, Apr 26: The Centre on Saturday ordered suspension of five mining leases in Bellary, including that of the Obalapuram Mining Company (OMC) owned by Ministers G Janardhana Reddy, Karunakara Reddy and B Sriramulu.
 
According to B K Singh, Deputy IGP, Union Department of Forests, the suspension will be in force until the Survey of India, which was assigned to enquire into the allegations of tampering with the borders along the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, accomplished its task.

Following this order, the 39.50 hectares and 25.98 hectares lease of OMC, 27.12 hectares of lease by Bellary Iron Ore Company and 20.24 hectares belonging to Y Mahabaleshwarappa and Sons and 6.5 hectares of Ananthpur Mining Corporation adjoining the borders stand cancelled.

Singh said the decision was taken following the report of the local chief conservator of forests and the Supreme Court-appointed committee, according to which these companies were illegally mining at Halakundi, Honnai and Bilgal villages adjoining Bellary- Rayadurga taluk.

The Forest Advisory Committee, appointed by the Centre, studied the report before it ordered the suspension.
The Andhra Pradesh government has not only been directed to cancel the lease immediately but also to submit a compliance report to the Union Ministry for Environment and Forests.

Official blamed

Singh blamed the Ananthpur Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) for the alleged irregularities of the companies.
He said there was clear indication of dereliction of duty on the part of the DCF since he had issued permission without ascertaining or verifying the information supplied in the applications. Action would be initiated against the authorities responsible for this, said the official.