Following a report on Hindustan Times on March 24, Ramesh wrote to Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyarappa saying the entire file pertaining to Ramgarh Mines and Minerals Limited, which got the ministry's approval in September 2010, was available for inspection by the Lokayukta or any other agency designated by the state government.
The ministry's forest division had approved final diversion of forestland for the company even though the state government claimed that it had failed to comply with the ministry's earlier in principle approval.
I wish to reiterate clearly, categorically and unequivocally that no undue favour has been shown to the company, â Ramesh said in the letter, while stating that adequate conditions have been stipulated in the approval to ally apprehensions of the state government. The conditions include meeting the requirements of Forest Rights Act and proper demarcation of lease area. Read the full report here.
Source: Chetan Chauhan, Hindustan Times, New Delhi.
