A day after declaring a moratorium on new mining projects in Goa, Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh told the Karnataka government not to approve mining projects in forest areas without his Ministry’s approval.
In a letter to Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, Mr. Ramesh refuted reported remarks by the State’s Home Minister that approval was given in consultation with the Environment Ministry, the final authority for allowing diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes.
All proposals that would be initiated by companies following the decision of the State government would have to get prior approval from the Ministry, he said.
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Mr. Ramesh took action after several Members of Parliament from Karnataka, cutting across party lines, met him in Parliament and expressed concern over the State’s decision to allow mining in reserved areas.