The State government has decided to speed up the process of seeking Supreme Court approval for its Comprehensive Environment Plan for Mining Impact Zone (CEPMIZ) worth ₹24,996 crore.
Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa held a meeting with officials on the CEPMIZ report that was drawn up for reclamation and rehabilitation of land destroyed by illegal mining in Ballari, Chitradurga and Tumakuru districts. The CEPMIZ involves taking up works worth ₹13,378.41 crore in Ballari, ₹3,792.30 crore in Chitradurga, and ₹2,554.05 crore in Tumakuru.
The government has been seeking the Supreme Court’s approval for the plan so that it can implement it mining-affected areas. The matter is expected to come up before Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi.
The State submitted its plan to the apex court in October 2018. Earlier, the government had submitted a ₹15,742.35-crore plan; it was subsequently revised.
Mr. Yediyurappa was told that the Supreme Court has asked amicus curiae Shyam Divan to look into the CEPMIZ. Mr. Divan is assisting the top court in the case involving illegal iron ore mining.
Diversion suggestion?
It was alleged that Mr. Yediyurappa wanted to explore the possibility of diverting some of the funds set aside under CEPMIZ towards flood relief. However, official sources denied this.
A few days ago, Mines and Geology Minister C.C. Patil was briefed by officials that the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee had recommended that the State set up a committee headed by a retired judge to oversee rehabilitation of mining-affected regions.
