The team, led by Dr V K Bahuguna, Director, Indian Forest Research and Education Council, has been collecting information to assess the environmental fallout of the rampant mining in the State. It visited the mining areas in the district on Friday.
The team asked officials to furnish details on agricultural and horticultural crops, depletion of groundwater table and deforestation in the district.
Speaking to reporters, Dr Bahuguna said they would ascertain whether mining has been carried out scientifically or not.
“We have inspected the mining leases and checked on adherence to regulations. We will study the impact of mining on farming and related activities,” Bahuguna said. Dr Bahuguna disclosed that they had received several petitions seeking resumption of mining operations. However, no decision had been taken yet and a comprehensive report would be submitted to the Supreme Court.
The visiting team took serious exception to poor environmental safety measures at the mining areas in Bheemasamudra and nearby villages. It took note of widespread deforestation and drastic depletion of groundwater table. The team later proceeded to Lakkihalli in Hosadurga taluk.
