29.8.11

SC stops mining in 2 Karnataka ditricts

The Supreme Court on Friday ordered suspension of iron ore mining in Chitradurga and Tumkur districts based on the Central Empowered Committee’s finding that rampant illegal mining has caused serious damage to environment there. A bench clarified that the suspension was an interim measure taken to protect environment, which was intrinsically linked to the citizen’s right to life. It said right to mining was a fundamental right under Article 19, but right to life under Article 21 was a higher right. The court said the need of the steel industries in the interim period would be met from the 25 million tonnes of iron ore stocks lying with the mining lease holders. The court also directed that a macro-environment impact assessment of the area be carried out by Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education. Moreover, it directed the joint committee set up by the court and tasked to survey and demarcate mining lease areas in Bellary to do the same job for leases in Chitradurga and Tumkur. The CEC, through amicus curiae ADN Rao, had said the adverse impact on environment in Chitradurga and Tumkur districts was identical to the one witnessed in Bellary.

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