Daijiworld Media Network – Karwar (SP)

Karwar, Jul 8: A team deputed by the central government is scheduled to visit Belekeri port near here, which made the headlines initially after huge stock of iron was found to have been illegally dumped there for exporting, and later, when it came to light that the iron ore stocks confiscated by the government were illegally exported.

The team will have officials from forest and environment, and mining departments of the union government. The team has been entrusted with the task of collecting preliminary information on the modus operandi involved in the transportation of iron ore illegally to this port. The central government has already collected details about illegal mining in forest areas of Bellary district, illegal transportation to Karwar and Belekeri ports, and the steps taken with regard to the missing ore stocks.

The team will also be gathering first hand information from the officials of forest, ports and customs departments. The issues now look like having greater ramifications spread over several years, with the involvement of the employees of various departments including forest, mines and geology, customs and revenue.