Illegal mining: SC order has officers shivering

The apex court directive has caused deep unease among officers already dazed by the recent move of the State government staying the pension of Dr Basappa Reddy, retired director of the Department of Mines and Geology, after he was proved guilty of providing permits for illegal mining.

A few months ago, Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde submitted a report detailing the role of several senior officers in the Forest, Mines and Geology and Regional Transport departments in illegal mining in the region. Hence, now along with the mine owners, bureaucrats too seem to be at the receiving end.

Shortly, the CEC will visit the Ramagad mines and conduct a detailed inquiry into illegal mining in the 265 hectares of forest area.

Mine owner Tapal Ganesh has appealed to the court to investigate the involvement of officers in illegal mining, on the lines of investigation conducted by Andhra Pradesh against erring officers with regard to encroachment of border areas and illegal mining.

A thorough investigation should also be instituted against the then district forest officer S Muttaiah and other prominent officers, who extended unhindered support to illegal mining in Bellary district, for the past one decade, said Ganesh.

In an earlier report, the Lokayukta had submitted that illegal mining in the district prospered owing to the support of the bureaucracy. Based on the report, stringent action should be taken against the officers, who previously served in the region.

Similarly, officers who are now serving in the district should also be subjected to questioning, he added.

It is saddening that corrupt officers, instead of being punished, are receiving promotions, rued Ganesh.