From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Mar 3: A delegation of the Federation of Karnataka Quarry and Stone Crusher Owners Association on Wednesday urged mines and geology minister Murugesh R Nirani to give more time to obtain permits from the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) office for blasting operations. 

Submitting a memorandum here at Vikasa Soudha the Association also urged Nirani to hold talks with revenue minister R Ashoka regarding transferring ownership deeds of crusher units set up in government land. 

The Federation’s meeting comes after the government’s tough measures on using explosives in mining areas following the recent tragic incidents at Chikkaballapura and Shivamogga. 

The delegation urged Nirani to make it mandatory for the end-users to obtain Mineral Dispatch Permit (MDP) regarding royalty and cancellation of Additional Annual Premium Payment (AAPP) across the state. 

The quarry and stone crusher owners also requested the minister to cancel the five times royalty collected as a penalty. 

They wanted the government to repeal the environment cess (green cess) imposed by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and disposal of unsaved/pending applications before the mines and geology department.

The delegation had earlier held discussions with the minister regarding the issues concerning their sector, requested him to take immediate steps to address their problems. 

Nirani gave a patient hearing to the grievances of the Federation of Karnataka Quarry Stone Crusher Owners Association and assured to look into their demands under the legal ambit. 

Federation’s honorary president Dattatri S president, Sanjeeva Hattiholi and general secretary Purushothama submitted the memorandum.