Bengaluru: Ballari’s Sandur is facing the potential loss of 992 acres of pristine forest to mining, despite opposition from the Forest Department, public outcry, and a three-year-old case pending before the High Court of Karnataka.
The project, proposed by the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company (KIOCL), recently received approval from Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy, highlighting profit prioritization over conservation and public health.
The area in question contains old-growth forests rich with biodiversity, including 99,000 trees and 300 types of medicinal plants, making it a significant loss in terms of ecosystem impact.
The Forest Department had previously rejected the mining proposal multiple times due to concerns of soil erosion and environmental degradation, but the state government proceeded to recommend the project for final approval.
This decision has sparked outrage among local activists and residents, who have suffered from the adverse effects of past mining activities. Many are calling for a halt to further extraction projects to preserve the region’s remaining greenery and protect public health.
Published 16 June 2024, 20:37 IST