BELLARY: The Supreme Court's order which has partially lifted the ban on iron ore mining in Bellary district and allowed the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) to start mining operations to meet the domestic requirements of iron and steel industries, has created mixed feelings.Tapal Ganesh of T N R Mines told Express that the NMDC was also indicted in the first and second reports of the Lokayukta for encroaching on about 40 hectares of others' lease area and making a revenue loss of around Rs 200 crore to the government by making under invoice transactions.Therefore, the order allowing it to start mining operations caused many doubts, he said. Stating that the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 covered all, be it private or government entity, he reiterated his demand for permission to legal mining to safeguard the interests of the industry.He also sought an enquiry into the allegations of lease encroachment by the NMDC. However, he welcomed the apex court's direction to carry out an environment impact assessment in the region.CEC clears 16 leasesThe CEC appointed by the Supreme Court to probe illegal mining in Bellary district, is said to have cleared 16 mining leases. The composite committee, comprising of officials from the Departments of Forest, Revenue, Mines and Geology besides Lokayukta representative, started the survey and demarcation process from May 16. So far, 93 out of 99 have been surveyed.
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