SIT to probe deeper into illegal mining in Karnataka

The state government would soon constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe into the illegal mining cases exposed by the Lok Ayukta report on illegal mining in Karnataka.

The cabinet on Friday accepted the report submitted by the review committee headed by additional chief secretary K Jairaj, which examined ways and means to implement the Lok Ayukta report.

“We have accepted the committee’s recommendations to initiate action against tainted officials and non-officials to probe illegal mining and initiate measures to tighten the system to prevent such irregularities in future,” said law and parliamentary affairs minister Suresh Kumar.

Already, action has been initiated against 182 of the 447 persons in various departments for their involvement in illegal mining and transport of iron ore. This includes a few IAS and IFS officers.

The review committee has recommended constituting an SIT comprising officers from departments of mining and geology, revenue, forest, PWD, environment and commercial taxes. “We have accepted the recommendation. The SIT will be constituted within next few days,” added Kumar.

In accordance with the recommendations, the mining and geology department would be strengthened by setting up a single-window system for all procedures involved in mining. As for imposing a fine five times the value of illegally mined ore and their transport by tainted companies, Kumar said the present statutes have no provision to collect such huge fines. The rules would be amended to enable the government to implement the recommendations.

Cases would be filed in civil courts in this regard.

A separate coordination and high-power committee would be constituted to monitor the implementation of these recommendations, he added.

The cabinet’s decision is being seen as part of the government’s efforts to convey its willingness to implement the Lok Ayukta report.