In Brief
The Supreme Court addressed implementation of the Comprehensive Environment Plan for Mining Impact Zone (CPMIZ) in Karnataka's Bellary and Chitradurga districts. The Court adopted a phased approach focusing on nine major mines producing 80% of local iron-ore. The decision requires: conveyor belt systems in six identified mines, railway sidings at three leases, and two railway sub-lines. The Court Appointed Experts' Committee must convene stakeholder meetings with technical bodies (RITES and CMPDIL) to determine feasibility, cost-sharing, and modalities within six weeks. The State was permitted to withdraw a separate report on 'C' category mines auction with liberty to reapproach the Court.
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