Villagers and some organisations have opposed mining activities in the historically important Huthridurga hill fort in Turuvekere taluk. The plea comes in the light of the recent discovery of antiquarian articles dating back 3,000 years in the Huthridurga area. The fort, constructed during Kempegowda’s period, was Tipu Sultan’s military bastion that was later conquered by the British in the 18th century.
During a press conference held here on Saturday by the Sri Maruthi Janaseva Trust, Yelachavadi Village, former Minister B.T. Lalitha Naik, pledged support to the people’s movement to protect Huthridurga. She said mining activities should not be allowed in the area as it would damage historically significant monuments.
President of the trust, Y.P.Kempaiah, said there were over eight villages, including Haluvagiru, Santhepete and Bellahalli, within the 2-km radius of the hill fort and that the district administration was contemplating allowing mining activities in over 20 acres in the area. “Villagers are concerned about the potential health hazards. Some people have secretly surveyed the area and taken granite samples. We are suspicious that mining activities may be allowed here,” he said.
Demonstration stagedTo protest the move, villagers staged a demonstration recently and submitted a memorandum to the district administration, he said.
Mr. Kempaiah said Huthridurga was a military bastion of Kempegowda and other rulers. It has nine ancient temples, including Kadaiah Swamy and Sri Shankaralingeshwara temples, a few of them belonging to the Muzrai Department. “The recent findings of burial sites exposed the connection of this area to the iron age. Further exploration would throw new light on history,” he added.
Pointing to the lack of protection to the ancient temples, he said attempts were made by miscreants in the past to damage them in search of hidden treasure. “Such attempts may increase if mining activities are allowed here,” he said.
