Kappatagudda hillock  in Gadag district, known for its medicinal plant varieties, will be notified as sensitive zone in a week, Minister of Forests C P Yogeeshwara told the Legislative Council, on Wednesday.

While answering a query by Veeranna Mattikatti, the minister said that the State government is committed to protect and conserve the hillock and a letter in this regard will be sent to the Central government.

Illegal mining activities in the area would be stopped immediately, he said. JD(S) member Basavaraj Horatti pointed out that illegal mining is rampant in and around Kappatagudda as it is said that there are gold deposits in the area.

Mattikatti said that vested interest groups were indulging in mining during the night at Kappatagudda and a number of women are employed here.