14 mining firms served notices for not paying forest department tax

BALLARI: Fourteen mining companies in Ballari district have been issued notices for non-payment of Forest Development Tax, which is pending to the tune of Rs 150 crore, a Forest Department official said today.

In the notices, the companies have been warned that non-payment would result in cancellation of mining licences and seizure of property, Ballari District Forest Officer Taqat Singh Ranavat told.

He said Rs 150 crore tax was pending from the 14 companies and despite notices, they had not paid the dues.

Similar notices would be issued in the coming days to 65 'C' category companies, he said.

The Supreme Court appointed Central Empowered Committee had categorised all mines in the state in A,B, and C with maximum irregularities being in C category.