Unscientific mining in Bellary has caused environmental devastation
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 devastationPhotographs by M Suchitra
A ravaged hill. Forest cover is cleared for taking the iron ore deposits. In Bellary about 9500 hectares of forest is under miningPhotographs By: K R Vinayan
NMDC’s mine outside Kamtur village. The mine falls under Category B, which has encroached forest for dumping wastePhotographs by M Suchitra
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
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 miningPhotograps By: K R Vinayan
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 orePhotographs by M Suchitra
Heaps of iron ore in B Kumar Gowda mine. The mine has resumed operation recently after the banPhotographs by M Suchitra
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
Forest in Sandur is rich with crooked teak and rosewood. But reckless mining has destroyed the forests and wildlifePhotographs by M Suchitra
A hilltop in Sandur Taluk in Bellary district, where mining is taking place. Iron ore deposits sit on the top of the hillsPhotographs by M Suchitra
Trucks transporting ore from the NMDC’s minePhotographs by M Suchitra
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.