Belagavi, April 1: Social activists Rajkumar Topannavar and Sujeet Mulgund have demanded immediate action against alleged illegal mining activities in Khanapur and Belagavi taluks, warning of severe environmental damage in ecologically sensitive regions.
For more details : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/whistleblowers-demand-action-against-mineral-looting-along-belagavi-border/articleshow/129932947.cms
In a memorandum submitted to the Deputy Commissioner on Tuesday, the activists alleged that minerals such as bauxite, laterite, and silica are being extracted illegally in several villages including Belagundi, Bakanur, Bijagarni, Golyali, Amate, Betageri, Kinaye, Inam Badas, and Torali. They claimed that mining is being carried out on farmlands without the consent of farmers, causing significant land degradation.
The activists further alleged that mining operators are misusing permits issued for areas near the Maharashtra border and conducting operations between 2 am and 6 am to evade authorities. They also raised concerns over the movement of heavy trucks and suspected that the extracted minerals are being transported to major cement companies.
Highlighting the ecological sensitivity of the region, they pointed out that the affected areas lie close to Dhamne Reserve Forest, Tilari and Bhimgad wildlife sanctuaries, and key wildlife corridors. The illegal activities, they said, are leading to deforestation, soil erosion, groundwater depletion, and loss of biodiversity.
They also alleged procedural violations, stating that mining permission in Torali village was granted without mandatory forest clearance, and accused some officials of collusion.
The activists have called for a district-level inquiry, satellite mapping, periodic drone surveys, suspension of new mining permits, and formation of a special task force to curb illegal activities. They warned that failure to act could result in irreversible damage to the Western Ghats ecosystem and threaten local livelihoods.
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