Despite the ban on export of iron ore by Karnataka over illegal mining issue, transportation of the mineral to ports in Andhra Pradesh continues unhindered from Bellary district, official sources said.
Several mines owners have been transporting the ore to ports in the neighbouring state even nine days after the Yeddyurappa government issued a notification banning issue of transport permits in a major crackdown on illegal mining and export of iron ore, they said.
An official, drafted to keep a track on lorry movements at check posts, told PTI on Friday on condition of anonymity that at least 8,000 lorries daily carry iron ore from Hagari police check post, about 20 kms away from here, through Anantpur-Bellary Highway to ports in Vishakapatnam, Kakinada and Krishnapatnam.
Same number of vehicles were involved before the ban on transport of iron ore was announced by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, the official said, adding mine owners were using the old permits issued to them prior to the ban.
Authorities in the Mines and Geology Department said they were not in a position to enforce the ban as they have not received government orders on it.
{{/usCountry}}Authorities in the Mines and Geology Department said they were not in a position to enforce the ban as they have not received government orders on it.
{{/usCountry}}Bellary District Transporters Association President K Venkatarao also said about 8,000 lorries were engaged in transporting iron ore.
Facing intense pressure from opposition Congress on his government's "failure" to check illegal mining and exports, Yeddyurappa announced the ban on export of iron ore on July 26.
On July 28, Yeddyurappa also declared a ban on issue of transport permits to transport iron ore for exports.