Bengaluru: Recent incident of gelatin blast in Shimoga has uncovered the menacing reality of illegal mining in Karnataka. Here is a comprehensive report on the mining situation in the southern state.
Frequently, struggles and protests against illegal mining are reported in the state. But the authorities and the people's representatives take action only for namesake. The explosion in Shimoga has highlighted the serious problem of illegal mining in the state.
Illegal mining in the state
The Department of Mines and Geology has acknowledged that several illegal mining is underway in Shimoga. At the last session of the Department, the authorities acknowledged the fact that mining is being carried out without a license in the district. Also, about 11 people have been given license for mining in the last three years, according to the Department of Mines and Geology.
1083 cases of illegal stone mining reported in three years
According to statistics provided by the Department of Mines and Land Sciences, there were 1,083 illegal mining cases reported in the state in the last three years. Between 2017 and 2018, 404 illegal stone mining cases were reported in the state. 114 cases were filed. A total of Rs 6.13 crore was collected as fine.
While, from 2018 to 2019, 413 illegal stone mining cases were detected in Shimoga district. 108 cases were filed. A total of Rs 12.13 crore was collected as fine. In addition, between 2019 and 2020, 266 illegal stone miners were booked. 117 cases were filed. Rs 9.08 crore was collected as fine.
Less number of applications for license
The State Government has implemented the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession (Amendment) Rules, 2016. As per the law, subcontracting mining on government land has to be sanctioned through auction.
The Department of Revenue and Forests has been entrusted to grant license and Land Reform Ordinance and Environmental Clearance Certificates to miners. In the last three years, 306 applications have been received for the lease of stone mines. The number of petitions which were granted permission for mining is 88. The number of pending applications is 218.
Mining beyond the leased area
The Comptroller Auditor General report highlights that quarry contractors are mining beyond the scope of their assigned lease or expiry. The CAG report found that such cases were found in Dakshina Kannada, Vijayapura, Belgaum, Bangalore rural and Chamarajanagar districts.
379 leases have been awarded for the main mineral (iron ore) by the Department of Mines and Geology and 97107.28 acres of land is being mined. A total of 470 leases of specific sub-mineral (granite) have been issued and allowed to be mined in 2353.06 acres.
2493 is leased to a non-specific sub-mineral (excluding sand) and mined in 10567.31 acres. Department officials have admitted that mining is being done in some areas illegally, except for officially leased areas.
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