Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Dec 1: The union government has suspended environment clearance given by the department of environment and forests to five iron ore mines including three owned by Bellary Reddy brothers in Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh. Union environment minister, Jairam Ramesh, has conveyed this decision to the forest department of Andhra Pradesh government. The suspension will be in force till a fresh survey is conducted in this area and a new map is prepared and approved.

It may be recalled that acting on complaints of illegal mining, the Supreme Court had ordered for a fresh survey of the area and for drafting of a fresh map. But reportedly, the survey could not be completed, as Andhra Pradesh government failed to offer police protection to the employees of the survey department. The survey officials had reportedly sought police protection, as they apprehended attacks by goondas owing allegiance to the mining lobby.

In the report submitted by the Central Empowered Committee appointed by Supreme Court, which is hearing a complaint of illegal mining in the area, has pointed out that the information provided by Andhra Pradesh government on the mines in the district does not tally with the areas covered by these mines. In this backdrop, the central government has decided to suspend the environment clearance.

Obalapuram Mining Company owned by Reddy brothers, had been permitted in the year 2001, to conduct mining at three sites of Obalapuram and H Siddapuram villages, totally measuring 133.98 hectares of forest land. However, in a complaint made to the Supreme Court, complainant, Tapal Ganesh, has alleged that mining is being conducted at places other than where it was permitted.