Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today said 20 squads are on the job to check illegal mining of iron ore and exports and rejected Opposition criticism that there is no let-up in the unlawful activity.
"13 joint squads have been activated. They are keeping a 24-hour vigil and discharging their duties," he told reporters here after a review meeting on the issue.
The Union home ministry wants state governments to take proactive action against illegal mining as it has become a national security threat.
In a recent meeting with the states, the home ministry said that windfall profits from such mining of minerals and sand were being used by the mafia to aid extremist elements.
The incessant rains have claimed two more lives, one each in Dakshina Kannada and Chikmagalur.
A woman was washed away in a stream at Aranthod in Sullia on Monday. The deceased is Baby (65). In Chikmagalur, a girl was washed away in a stream near Kundur estate in Mudigere taluk on Monday. The deceased is Sheela (15).
Hospet, a small town around 350 km from Bangalore, is perennially cloaked in a red dust that emanates from the scores of pit iron ore mines that dot the area. According to numerous watchdog groups, such as
