Allegations of widespread illegal iron ore transportation have emerged in Ballari district, Karnataka. Congress MP E. Tukaram raised concerns about the failure of regulatory mechanisms to control violations in the mining area. Tukaram stated that over 1,500 trucks transport iron ore daily from the Sandur mining region, with each truck carrying between 18 and 40 tonnes.
Serious lapses in monitoring infrastructure were highlighted by the MP, who mentioned that out of four check posts near Bandihatti, only one is operational. Tukaram expressed worries about excess ore being transported through non-functional check posts, bypassing weighbridge checks. He also pointed out possible negligence and collusion by officials from the Department of Mines and Geology and the Forest Department.
Tukaram expressed his concerns over the alleged negligence and collusion by officials from the Department of Mines and Geology and the Forest Department. He claimed that ore worth crores of rupees is being illegally transported, benefiting private companies. Tukaram also mentioned suspicions of the involvement of officials from the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC).
