HUBBALLI: The wildlife experts have raised concerns over the Karnataka government's proposal to remove the tag of forest produce classification from iron ore, warning such a move will be legally void.
Experts noted that the State has no power to amend the Indian Forest Act, 1927, which states minerals and all products from mines and quarries fall under forest produce. Additionally, the state government is also considering to propose 24/7 mining in the areas that do not fall under wildlife areas. Both the proposals are being put forward before the cabinet on November 14.
Praveen Bhargav, rustee, Wildlife First and former Member of national Board for Wildlife said that Karnataka government has no power to amend the Indian Forest Act, 1927 which contains a definition of forest produce that includes minerals and all products of mines and quarries. Even if the Karnataka state Forest Act, 1963, were amended, it would be inconsistent with the Central legislation which will prevail and and would make any such attempt by the state ineffective.
"It would be advisable for the State Government to drop the proposed attempt which is not only untenable but also fall foul of the constitutional mandate under Article 48-A to protect forests and wildlife," Bhargav added.
The state has four mine-rich districts, Ballari, Vijayanagara, Chitradurga and Tumakuru. The mining experts too are divided over the government's another proposal for round-the-clock mining operations.
A mining expert from Ballari said, "Under the mine safety guidelines there are certain rules on timings. For instance, all the blasting activities has been conducted during afternoon hours. The mining industry is regulated by several central and state government agencies. It's not feasible to conduct mining activities 24X7 in the interest of wildlife. Even if a mining zone is not protected under the wildlife area status, the area will still have wild animals."