BENGALURU/ MANDYA: KPCC president DK Shivakumar and opposition leader Siddaramaiah differed on the illegal mining issue in Mandya district raised by independent MP Sumalatha Ambareesh.
Backing JD(S) MLAs, Shivakumar insisted that there are no reports of illegal mining since the time he was Mandya district in-charge minister during the previous JD(S)-Congress coalition government. “Mining is happening 15-20km away from the dam; it does not make any difference. It is not good to create panic among the public,’’ he said.
Siddaramaiah, who is touring Badami constituency in north Karnataka, on Monday called for an inquiry after verifying the facts. “She has made allegations that JD(S) leaders are carrying out illegal mining, endangering the safety of KRS dam. The matter should be probed,” he said.
Former JD(S) minister CS Puttaraju said he will welcome a complete ban on mining at Baby Betta if it is scientifically proven that such activities are endangering the reservoir. “The safety of the dam must be a priority to all of us (mining unit owners). We are ready to give up mining if the government confirms the damage,” he added.
Sumalatha meets Nirani
Sumalatha met mines and geology minister Murugesh Nirani and requested him to survey stone quarries in Mandya and act against those involved in illegal mining.
Nirani later said he would visit the mining areas this week and take action against mine owners and officials if they are found guilty. He said measures have been taken to curb stone quarrying in and around Baby Betta while 38 licences have been cancelled.
Minister KC Narayana Gowda said he would discuss with the CM and bring in a blanket ban on mining in Baby Betta.
