Bellary is only the tip of the rotting earthmound. Can a new proposed legislation clear the air? Two years ago, when the ministry of mines decided to use satellite imaging to survey projects, it unearthed several “unusual activities” across the country. “The amount of mining done and material being exported didn’t match in areas where certain companies had been given LICences,” recounts a former senior bureaucrat with the mines ministry....

The announcement last weekend by the prime minister that an independent National Environmental Appraisal and Monitoring Agency (NEAMA) would shortly be set up has been welcomed in the media. The PM indicates that it would be staffed by professionals, will set up a new process for environmental appraisal of projects, and monitor the observance of environmental management plans. It would be a recommendatory body, subject to final decision-making by the...

-The Indian Express   The Punjab and Haryana High Court pulled up the Haryana government on Monday in connection with the acquisition of land for development of Sectors 58-63 in Gurgaon, which includes the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust in Ullahawas village. The case is slated to come up for hearing again tomorrow. Last week, the Haryana government had submitted that it would reconsider the acquisition of over 850 acres of land in Gurgaon,...

-The Economic Times   Govt. to set up National Environment Appraisal and Monitoring Authority for environmental clearance of projects Prime MinisterManmohan Singh hit the nail on the head when he declared that the environment cannot be protected by perpetuating poverty. But the regulatory framework forenvironmental clearance of development projects needs urgent streamlining and reform . Dr Singh added that the Centre would soon set up an independent regulatory body, the National Environment...

After sliding a mile backward into a morass, Karnataka'smining sector has just been shoved a metre forward. Since it has taken an almighty effort by the judiciary and a quasi-judicial body, the Lokayukta, to accomplish even this much, what hope is there for a sector that is vital for Karnataka's and India'sindustrial development?? Will the sector - represented by mining firms, traders, transporters, government agencies - slide back deep into...