BANGALORE/BELLARY: In a first indication of buckling under pressure from the powerful mining lobby, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government headed by B.S. Yeddyurappa has reportedly decided to withdraw several criminal cases filed against the supporters of Reddy brothers in different instances.
NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh has written to Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa raising concerns about illegal mining in the Bellary forest area of the State that has become a cause for worry among various non-governmental organisations, conservationists and experts.
This Public Interest Litigation is filed by Sri Sathyamoorthy, claiming to be a public spirited citizen, interested in safeguarding the public at large, against the exploitation of iron ore minerals in Karnataka.
A new dimension was added to the discontent in the BJP with at least two ministers speaking in support of Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Wednesday.
Transport Minister R Ashok said that mining barons of Bellary were not alone responsible for the installation of BJP government in the State, but it was due to hard work of B S Yeddyurappa and thousands of party workers.
The opposition by farmers over the acquisition of 1,000 acres of land for an airport in Bellary which had gathered momentum during run-up to the Lok Sabha elections did result in reducing the victory margin for the BJP candidate, admitted Health Minister B Sriramulu in Bangalore on Wednesday.
The High Court has directed the State government to initiate appropriate action against those indulging in sand mining in the Tungabhadra river in the districts of Davangere, Haveri, Gadag and Bellary using mechanical devices.
