Decision Makers: Government of Karnataka and
Karnataka Forest Department
Story So Far:
The reserve forests of Ballari are at the mercy of economically-driven mining companies. In August 2022, the Supreme Court lifted a decade-old ban and raised the ceiling limit for mining from 28 million tonnes to 35 million tonnes per annum. After which, mining firms filed requests to explore minerals in 1000 acres of forest land. The biodiversity hotspots under threat include 450 acres of Hosapete Reserve Forest bordering the eco-sensitive Daroji Bear Sanctuary.
Recently, Kudremukh Iron Ore Corporation Limited (KIOCL) registered an exorbitant mining lease of 50 years to explore iron ore in forest lands of Swamimalai Block Forest and manganese ore in Devadari Hill Range. The terrestrial and scrub forests allocated for excavation cradles diverse species of flora and fauna. The dense ecosystem is home to leopards, sloth bears, black bucks, jackals, wolf amongst other thriving wildlife forms.
As per Deccan Herald, “the government steamrolled concerns raised by the Forest Department for a mining proposal by KIOCL in virgin forests of Sandur. On December 15, the company received final clearance for a project that involves cutting of 99,330 trees.” While the destructive impact on the environment has been completely ignored by the government, there is also no accurate Environmental Impact Assessment.
Why is this important?
In Karnataka, Ballari was the wellspring of mining. When illegal mining ravaged natural resources, the Supreme Court banned mining in 2011 primarily owing to environmental concerns.
The hazardous mining waste dumped nonchalantly proved toxic to the environment. It resulted in massive soil erosion, and contamination of water with the destruction of agricultural and forest lands.
The chemicals emitted from rampant mining infused the air with toxins thus hampering air quality and endangering the health of citizens.
In January 2023, Karnataka High Court issued a notice to five mining companies for violating mining guidelines and damaging Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monuments in Sandur Taluk of Ballari district, writes The New Indian Express.
Mining activities in ecologically sensitive areas such as Sandur adversely impact wildlife while needlessly upsetting their fragile habitats.
What can you do?
Excessive mining activities in the past have robbed natives of their health and livelihoods; while depriving Ballari of its rich natural resources. Human interference in Nature’s intricately connected ecosystems will disrupt the organic harmony causing irreplaceable loss of indigenous biodiversity. Time is rife to learn from mistakes in the past, and protect what we are left with.
Let’s take a step together towards preserving Nature. Within us lies the power to also protect the habitats of our voiceless friends in the wild, and make a difference in their endangered lives.
Sign the petition and save the reserve forests of Ballari from mining excavations.
Additionally, urge:
The Karnataka Forest Department to publish an accurate Environmental Impact Assessment.
The Government of Karnataka to halt the mining projects for the well-being of our environment, and that of fellow citizens.
Sources:
https://science.thewire.in/environment/sandur-forest-mining-karnataka/
https://udaipurkiran.com/kiocl-surges-on-getting-environmental-clearance-for-devadari-iron-ore-mine/
https://starofmysore.com/iron-ore-mining-1000-acres-of-forest-to-be-cleared-in-ballari/
Decision Makers: Government of Karnataka and
Karnataka Forest Department
Story So Far:
The reserve forests of Ballari are at the mercy of economically-driven mining companies. In August 2022, the Supreme Court lifted a decade-old ban and raised the ceiling limit for mining from 28 million tonnes to 35 million tonnes per annum. After which, mining firms filed requests to explore minerals in 1000 acres of forest land. The biodiversity hotspots under threat include 450 acres of Hosapete Reserve Forest bordering the eco-sensitive Daroji Bear Sanctuary.
Recently, Kudremukh Iron Ore Corporation Limited (KIOCL) registered an exorbitant mining lease of 50 years to explore iron ore in forest lands of Swamimalai Block Forest and manganese ore in Devadari Hill Range. The terrestrial and scrub forests allocated for excavation cradles diverse species of flora and fauna. The dense ecosystem is home to leopards, sloth bears, black bucks, jackals, wolf amongst other thriving wildlife forms.
As per Deccan Herald, “the government steamrolled concerns raised by the Forest Department for a mining proposal by KIOCL in virgin forests of Sandur. On December 15, the company received final clearance for a project that involves cutting of 99,330 trees.” While the destructive impact on the environment has been completely ignored by the government, there is also no accurate Environmental Impact Assessment.
Why is this important?
In Karnataka, Ballari was the wellspring of mining. When illegal mining ravaged natural resources, the Supreme Court banned mining in 2011 primarily owing to environmental concerns.
The hazardous mining waste dumped nonchalantly proved toxic to the environment. It resulted in massive soil erosion, and contamination of water with the destruction of agricultural and forest lands.
The chemicals emitted from rampant mining infused the air with toxins thus hampering air quality and endangering the health of citizens.
In January 2023, Karnataka High Court issued a notice to five mining companies for violating mining guidelines and damaging Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monuments in Sandur Taluk of Ballari district, writes The New Indian Express.
Mining activities in ecologically sensitive areas such as Sandur adversely impact wildlife while needlessly upsetting their fragile habitats.
What can you do?
Excessive mining activities in the past have robbed natives of their health and livelihoods; while depriving Ballari of its rich natural resources. Human interference in Nature’s intricately connected ecosystems will disrupt the organic harmony causing irreplaceable loss of indigenous biodiversity. Time is rife to learn from mistakes in the past, and protect what we are left with.
Let’s take a step together towards preserving Nature. Within us lies the power to also protect the habitats of our voiceless friends in the wild, and make a difference in their endangered lives.
Sign the petition and save the reserve forests of Ballari from mining excavations.
Additionally, urge:
The Karnataka Forest Department to publish an accurate Environmental Impact Assessment.
The Government of Karnataka to halt the mining projects for the well-being of our environment, and that of fellow citizens.
Sources:
https://science.thewire.in/environment/sandur-forest-mining-karnataka/
https://udaipurkiran.com/kiocl-surges-on-getting-environmental-clearance-for-devadari-iron-ore-mine/
https://starofmysore.com/iron-ore-mining-1000-acres-of-forest-to-be-cleared-in-ballari/
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Thanks for all that you do,
The Jhatkaa.org team
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