The government says a comprehensive law to tackle the menace of illegal mining in the country will be put in place soon after the Group of ministers looking into the issue submits its report. Replying to a volley of questions on illegal mining in Karnataka, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh, the environment and forest minister Jairam Ramesh said that Karnataka chief minister has assured him of strict action against those involved in illegal mining. He informed that House that he had written letter to Mr Yeduyurappa to deal with the issue. Mr Ramesh said his ministry has kept under suspension four projects including three power projects in Andhra Pradesh as they violated Forest Conservation Act. Replying supplementaries in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, Jairam Ramesh conceded that the existing regulatory system is not effective enough to deal illegal mining in the country. He informed the House that the diversion of forest land in the last 30 years has drastically reduced. Mr Ramesh said from 1950 to 1980 over 4 million hectre of forest land has been diverted for non forest activities. He added this has come down to 1 million hectres in the last 30 years. Replying to another supplementary, Mr Ramesh said his ministry has sent a 4 member expert group to study Vedanta group's alleged environmental violation in Orissa. He also said that POSCO's project in Orissa is also under investigation to look into any alleged violation. Mr Ramesh said the Survey of India is probing into any alleged irregularities in the Obalpuram mining in Andhra Pradesh.