SC notice on mining: On January 4, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Central Empowered Committee, the Centre and the Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh governments on a petition that accused the authorities of ignoring the report of the Lokayukta on illegal mining in the two states. The report was submitted in December 2008. The petition has been filed by Samaj Parivartana Samudaya, a non-profit. The court extended the ban on mining activities by the Obulapuram Mining Company, owned by Karnataka tourism minister G Janardhana Reddy and his brother Karunakara Reddy in the Bellary reserve forest on the Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border.
Forest leased: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered the state mining department to stop issuing mining leases in forest areas in Balaghat district. A petition by a non-profit said that 930.78 ha forest area was leased out without clearance from the Centre.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.