Summary:
Nine leases were issued in violation of special mining rules for monazite, mining of which require special permissions from the Centre.In several cases, leases were not obtained for intervening lands. CHENNAI: A special team headed by state revenue secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi has submitted a damning report on the corrupt practices and flouting of rules by companies that had obtained mining leases in the state. In a few other areas, TNPCB had even permitted mining in violations of CRZ guidelines among others.The special team suggested tougher process and regulations through inspections, to ensure proper functioning of the industry. Further, illegal mining had been carried out in government poromboke and HR&CE lands. Leases have been split up and applied separately to avoid getting clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forest Department..