The long-awaited action of the State government to mitigate environmental damages caused by mining in Bellary, Chitradurga and Tumkur has begun.
Several departments, including Forest, PWD, Education, Health and Panchayat Raj, have been asked to prepare an action plan for approval from the newly-formed Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) titled the Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation (KMERC). Deputy Commissioner Sameer Shukla, who is also a member of KMERC, confirmed this to The Hindu.
However, the action plan would be limited to the current year and a detailed action plan for the next nine years would be later prepared in consultation with experts.
The KMERC was formed as a sequel to the Supreme Court’s directions to act as an SPV to implement the comprehensive Environment Plan for Mining Impact Zone. Ten percent of the sale proceeds of iron ore through e-auction has been set aside to implement the environment plan. At present, Rs. 3,500 crore has been accumulated for the purpose.
Developing nurseries to take up afforestation, soil moisture and water conservation measures, relaying of damaged roads, construction of railway sidings, conveyor-belt system for transportation of iron ore, way side facilities-cum-truck terminals, internal roads, lighting, roadside plantations, improving basic infrastructure facilities in villages such providing quality education, setting up technical institutions, hostels, vocational training centres,rejuvenation of tanks, promotion of improved/high yielding agriculture and horticultural practices, drainage and sanitisation and drinking water projects were proposed to mitigate the impact of mining in villages.
Journalist-turned-politician Shivakumar Malagi, while welcoming the government’s decision to set in motion the process of mitigating the environmental damaged caused by mining, has underlined the need for authorities concerned to exercise caution and care to prevent possible siphoning-off funds by ‘unscrupulous’ people and associations.
Mr. Malagi is also the executive committee member of Jana Sangram Parishat which has been spearheading a movement to protect the environment and ecology in villages ravaged by rampant mining activities.
“The task is herculian not only in terms of implementing the plan but also with regard to spending a huge amount. The KMERC should entrust the task of systematic preparation and execution of plans through expert agencies in the field and at the same time constantly monitor its execution through renowned experts in the field of environment and ecology,” he said.
