Will amend mining policy soon to tackle sand mafia, says H D Kumaraswamy

BENGALURU: Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday directed the authorities to submit a proposal for amending the mining policy as part of the state government’s strategy to curb the activities of sand mafia. Chairing a meeting with minister for mines and geology here, Mr. Kumaraswamy directed the officials to take stringent action against illegal mining and constantly monitor the quality of M sand. He, however, instructed the officers to allow stone crusher units functioning within the parameters of the existing act.

Considering the shortage in supply of sand and crushed stone for constructions activities, the state government has decided to amend existing mining policy within fifteen days. Speaking to reporters after meeting with CM, Mines and Geology minister Rajshekar Patil said, department officials had visited Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana to study mining policies in those states, after officials submit the report, the government would incorporate those suggestions in the mining policy.

There was no proposal before the state government to increase royalty amount levied on sand, crushed stones and quarry, the minister added. However the minister said the government was concerned about pilferage of royalty, and therefore the department has to ensure an end to this menace. Meanwhile, Karnataka State Federation of Stone Crusher and Quarry, submitted a memorandum to the state government to bring an amendment to mining policy to stop stone crushing activities as it would impact families depending on this business.