RTI reveals illegal mining in Sonbhadra
14 Sep, 2012The reply to an application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has revealed that 38 individuals or parties indulged in mining activities without legal permission in the Billi Markundi Reserve forest in Robertsganj township of Sonbhadra district in Uttar Pradesh.
In August 2002, district administration had applied to the Forest department for permission of mining in this area. The central government rejected the application on the basis that the land offered in exchange was in small patches not fit for plantation.
The procured information reveals that despite the rejection, the land was leased out to 38 persons and parties for mining. The data provided under RTI gives the complete list of all 38 persons and parties. Out of these, two were awarded even before the application for permission of mining was sent to the Ministry of Forests.