Activist questions forest dept's U-turn over mining in Karnataka's Tumakuru

Bengaluru: The forest department, which rejected two mining proposals in Tumakuru district, has suddenly made a U-turn, prompting an activist to raise concerns over the impact on wildlife.

The department, on May 14, recommended approval to a proposal by Mineral Enterprises Private Limited for a project on 119.1 acres spread across Gollahalli, Hosahalli and Kodihalli in Chikkanayakanahalli taluk. The land was also sought for allied activities.

Documents show that major issues were raised by the field officer. The deputy conservator of forests, Tumakuru, had expressed concern that the forest land was prone to "accelerated" soil erosion. "Wild animals found here include leopard, sloth bear, wild pig and pea fowl," the report had said.

In a letter to additional chief secretary of the forest department, conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni appealed that the proposal be rejected. "Earlier, two project proposals adjacent to the area were recommended by principal chief conservator of forests and the government. The regional office of MoEF&CC, Bengaluru, had carried out site inspections and recommended to drop both," it said.

He said the land in question was part of a large hillock which was recovering after about five decades of mining. Any disturbance will lead to more wildlife conflict.