Burdened by mines

Despite drought, farmers in Sandur  valley had bumper harvest of onion this year. A group of  farm hands cleaning and putting onions into the plastic bags. During the mining boom many farmers in Sandur had leased out their lands for stocking iron ore Photographs by M Suchitra

Burdened by mines

NMDC’s mine outside  Kamtur village. The mine falls under Category B, which has encroached forest for dumping waste Photographs by M Suchitra

Burdened by mines

Trucks transporting ore from the NMDC’s mine Photographs by M Suchitra

Burdened by mines

NMDC’s mine in Kumarswamy forest ranges in Sandur taluk. Kamtur village can be seen in the background. The village is surrounded by seven mines. Behind the village , a hillock of overburden (waste from the mine) Photographs by M Suchitra

Burdened by mines

Heaps of iron ore in B Kumar Gowda mine. The mine has resumed operation recently after the ban Photographs by M Suchitra

Burdened by mines

A huge heap of iron ore lumps in one of the mines in Sandur taluk.  Ore will be in the form of lumps or fines (powder form) Photographs by M Suchitra

Burdened by mines

None of the mines in Bellary district stuck to the approved mining plan until the Supreme Court banned all mining activities in Bellary district. Unscientific mining caused environmental devastation Photographs by M Suchitra

Burdened by mines

Forest in Sandur is rich with crooked teak and rosewood. But reckless mining has destroyed  the forests and wildlife Photographs by M Suchitra

Burdened by mines

Burdened by mines

A ravaged  hilltop in Sandur taluk. Sandur was the nerve centre of illegal mining in Bellary district until two years ago. Streams were polluted by mining Photograps By: K R Vinayan