Bangalore: Shock to Miners – Union Government Orders Closure of 19 Mines
Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)
Bangalore, May 21: In a step that is sure to send shivers down the spines of mine operators from Bellary district, the central government on Thursday May 20, ordered cancellation of licences pertaining to 19 mines in Bellary district.
The order issued by the union department of mines says that 19 mines operating in Bellary, Hospet, Sandur and nearby areas should be closed with immediate effect. This step follows allegations of illegal mining, violation of norms and rules etc. It is learnt that the central government had indicated to the state government in advance about this step. With this, the dispute over illegal mining in the state, promises to blow into a grave crisis.
Three mines each from Bellary and Hospet taluks and 13 from around Sandur, have been named by the union government in its order. The local officials have been instructed to enforce the instructions forthwith. They have been directed to withdraw the iron ore transportation licences already procured by the owners of these mines. This order has been issued in tune with the findings of the special task force of the Indian Bureau of Mines, which conducted inspection of the mines in Bellary district during April this year.
The mines ordered to be closed include Gavisiddeshwara Enterprises, Belagal, TBAP in Haraginadoni, N Sheikh Sab Mines, Associated Mining Company and J C Vrishabhendraiah Mines.The closure order will be in force till further orders.
After mining barons, G Janardan Reddy, G Somashekhar Reddy and their close friend, B Sriramulu, rose to the positions of ministers and acquired the clout to blatantly challenge the opposition leaders, Governor and the Chief Minister alike, political manoeuvres have been on both inside the BJP and outside, to tame these ministers. The central government had initially issued notices to 43 mines for incidents of violation of rules and undertaking illegal mining, in the second week of this month. Out of them, it has ordered closure of 18 mines. Mining lobby is strong in the state, and the next move of the lobby is being awaited with lot of interest.