Companies challenge govt ban on mining near Bannerghatta National Park

Bengaluru: The Mines and Geology department’s order suspending mining around the Bannerghatta National Park (BNP), has been challenged in the Karnataka High Court by five mining companies operating in Shivanahalli village of Anekal taluk. While the court gave the department a day to file its reply ,it says it can do so by June 2 at the earliest.

Said Mr NS Prasanna Kumar, director, Mines and Geology department, “The Forest and Mines and Geology department carried out a joint survey, which was completed on Wednesday. The report is very critical and so we could not file it in court today. Our replies will be filed on June 2.”

He explained that the departments needed to convince the court that the mining operations were within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) and hence the ban. The closure notice was issued in the wake of the Union Government’s order banning mining within 10 kms of a protected area.

Welcoming the Centre’s order, Tree Doctor, Vijay Nishanth noted that if mining was carried within 10 km of the ESZ, it would amount to contempt of the Supreme Court order. “We are thankful to Union Minister, Dr Harsha Vardhan for his swift action,” he added.

Public outrage at the illegal mining near the Bannerghatta park, which was affecting wildlife and children’s health, was one of the factors that prompted the authorities to act swiftly in the matter.