Probe ordered into destruction of 9,500 trees in Kolar district

The High Court of Karnataka on Thursday ordered an inquiry by the Lokayukta on the issue of destruction of around 9,500 trees, grown on 37.06 acres of the government land in Kolar district several yea

The High Court of Karnataka on Thursday ordered an inquiry by the Lokayukta on the issue of destruction of around 9,500 trees, grown on 37.06 acres of the government land in Kolar district several years ago, due to illegal mining activities.

Also, the court directed the Forest Department to take up afforestation on 37.06 acres of the land, situated at Gundehalli, Tekal, Malur taluk, and maintain it for three years before handing over the land to Banahalli Gram Panchayat.

The government has also been directed to recover within three months the remaining ₹106 crore fine imposed on 19 firms for carrying out illegal mining beyond the licensed areas in the panchayat limits.