Bengaluru: The government is attempting to impose less transparent control on the Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation (KMERC), which is sitting on Rs 25,000 crore in funding intended for mining-ravaged districts, following contentious attempts to seize control of the organisation.
The job of rebuilding and repairing the mining-affected districts of Ballari, Vijayanagara, Tumakuru, and Chitradurga falls on the KMERC, a special purpose vehicle (SPV).
The administration attempted in vain last year to reorganise the board’s composition by designating district ministers as members and the chief minister as its head. The plan was abandoned as a result of protests from the activists and guidance from higher officials.
But in recent months, efforts to modify some of the foundational tenets of KMERC have prompted activists to write to Justice (retd) B Sudershan Reddy, the Supreme Court-appointed oversight authority (OA), demanding that the government’s proposed projects comply with the Comprehensive Environment Plan for the Mining Impact Zone (CEPMIZ).
According to records received through a request for public information (RTI), the KMERC Board agreed on December 27, 2023, to “discontinue” the practice of posting OA-approved projects on the KMERC website for 15 days before informing the relevant departments of the approval. Rather, the consent to the relevant departments. The minutes stated that instead, as soon as the OA has been approved, the approval communication for the project implementation should be forwarded to the relevant department.
The action strikes at the fundamental idea of transparency, according to activist S R Hiremath of Samaj Parivartana Samudaya. In the second case, the KMERC board questioned OA’s choice to name retired IAS officer V Balasubrama as an adviser during the meeting on March 12. The chairwoman of the Board inquired as to whether the SC order had a clause allowing for the nomination of such people, as per the minutes of the meeting.
The OA may now seek help from one or two State of Karnataka officers and/or retired judge(s) of a High Court of his choosing, the court has permitted. However, the board stated that the directive did not state that retired officials may be hired. The board countered that the order is silent on the hiring of retired officials.
The SC order makes no mention of retired state officers being taken. The minutes further stated that the chief secretary’s circular and the Karnataka chief minister’s directive prohibit the appointment of retired officers.
Shalini Rajneesh, Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner, responded to a question by saying the worries were unfounded. The managing director was unresponsive to DH. A top official did, however, confirm the news.
The Karnataka government’s plan to take control of a body responsible for restoring mining-affected areas has sparked concerns among environmentalists and activists. The District Mineral Foundation (DMF), which was set up to utilize mining revenues for rehabilitation and environmental restoration, may now come under greater government influence, raising fears of mismanagement and diversion of funds.
Key Concerns Over Govt’s Move
- Potential Fund Misuse
- Activists worry that DMF funds, meant for local communities and ecological restoration, might be redirected for other government projects.
- There is a fear of reduced transparency and accountability in fund allocation.
- Slow Progress on Rehabilitation
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- Despite large funds, many mining-affected areas still suffer from pollution, deforestation, and lack of livelihood support.
- Experts argue that shifting control to the government could further delay restoration efforts.
- Need for Independent Oversight
- Environmental groups are demanding an independent authority to monitor the utilization of DMF funds.
- A transparent approach is crucial to ensure the funds benefit displaced communities and restore degraded land.
The move has triggered debate, with many calling for greater public consultation before changes are made. The coming months will determine whether the government prioritizes genuine rehabilitation or bureaucratic control.
Group Media Publication
Construction, Infrastructure and Mining
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