Karnataka Quarry Owners Challenge Drone Survey and OTS Penalties in High Court
The Federation of Karnataka Quarry and Stone Crusher Owners’ Association (FKQSCOA) has approached the High Court in Bengaluru, filing a writ petition to challenge a drone survey conducted by the Mines and Geology Department and rejecting the penalties imposed under a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme. The High Court has issued notices to the state departments involved in the matter.
On Wednesday, the association announced its opposition to the drone survey, which the state government is using to determine penalties for unpaid royalties dating back to 2005. The government's OTS scheme aims to recover over Rs 4,000 crore in unpaid dues accumulated over approximately 20 years.
According to FKQSCOA President Ravindra Shetty, the drone survey was conducted unscientifically, without following established norms and without keeping quarry owners in the loop. Shetty stated that the minimum penalty under the scheme is Rs 50 lakh, making it impossible for many owners to pay.
FKQSCOA Vice President Kiran Raj argued that the Mines and Geology Department's method of collecting royalty is flawed. He explained that most quarry and stone crusher owners supply materials to contractors working for government departments, such as the Public Works Department and the Housing Department.
These government departments already deduct the royalty directly while clearing the contractors' bills. Raj questioned why the Mines and Geology Department is seeking to collect the royalty from quarry owners a second time, calling the double collection illegal.
The association is demanding that the government regularise the royalty collection system and waive the penalties. They also highlighted the suicide of Nagesh, a truck owner who died in front of the Mines and Geology Department office in Ramanagaram due to alleged official harassment, demanding Rs 1 crore in compensation for his family.
FKQSCOA members stated that they will organise an agitation if the state government fails to address their demands.
