The Hindu reported that the inquiry and physical inspection of iron ore mining leases in Obulapuram and other villages in D Hirehal mandal in the district by Mr YKS Chauhan conservator of Forests, scheduled to be conducted on January 29th and 30th 2009, has been postponed due to the 7 day State mourning of Mr R Venkatraman former President.

According to official sources, the probe was ordered by the director general of Forests, Government of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests, in response to the allegations of violation of Forest Act, 1980, by Mr Kallol Biswas divisional forest officer of Anantapur Circle in connivance with Obulapuram Mining Company. The inquiry was ordered in response to a complaint lodged by the Federation of India Mineral Industries to the DG of Forests in September 2008.

Mr Satyanarayana the Anantapur Circle DFO Kallol Biswas and Assistant Director of Mines and Geology were directed to make all arrangements for the inquiry.

(Sourced from The Hindu)