Karnataka state chief secretary directs to take necessary action against illegal transportation of red bauxite

Karnataka state chief secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar has directed Dakshina Kannada district administration and the mines and geology department to look into the complaint on illegal transportation of red bauxite from the district.

The complaint was filed by former minister B Ramanath Rai, following which the chief secretary asked the district administration and the mines and geology department officials on Thursday, November 12, to take the necessary action as per the rule.

Mr Rai reported the red soil available in Kairangala, Pajeeru, Ira, Kurnadu and Balepuni villages of Bantwal taluk has aluminium content, which is known as red bauxite. He said, “There is a huge demand for red bauxite since it is being procured by cement companies. Hence, red bauxite is being transported from villages of Bantwal taluk to cement companies of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala illegally. Those who have obtained permits to quarry laterite stones in the taluk are involved in the illegal transportation of red bauxite.”

He also said hundreds of trucks transporting red bauxite to other states are causing heavy loss to the tune of crores of rupees to Karnataka’s state exchequer. Many farmers have also lodge complaint in this regard.

According to a report, around 300 trucks carrying red bauxite illegally have been seized recently by the district administration.