The Centre has asked the Karnataka government to take action against three mining firms operating in Sandur in Bellary district for alleged violation of forest regulations. Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh in a recent letter to Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has alleged that the firms –S B Minerals, Trident Minerals and Veeyam Private Ltd — were carrying out mining activities without adhering to mandatory norms laid down by the authorities while giving forest clearance. <br/><br/>PTI quoting sources said, the Minister has asked the state government to temporarily withdraw the forest clearance given to the three companies till they implement the norms that included erection of pillars and tree plantation in the safety zone during rainy season. <br/><br/>Ramesh pointed out that the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC), a statutory panel under his ministry that monitors forest violations, had suggested that the state government should immediately undertake a survey to demarcate mining areas from those falling under forest department in Sandur.