Mining Threatens Sensitive Forest Near Wildlife Sanctuary

Villagers and the Somwarpet Taluk Farmers' Association in Kodagu have voiced strong opposition to suspected mining preparations in Bettadalli gram panchayat, an area adjacent to the Pushpagiri Protected Forest and Wildlife Sanctuary. An Andhra Pradesh-based company is reportedly collecting soil samples from Kannalli village for laboratory testing, prompting fears of impending mining operations.

Residents submitted a petition to the Kodagu Deputy Commissioner, urging an immediate halt to the ongoing land survey in Kundalli village. Concerns are heightened due to past events; after the 2018 Kodagu landslides, similar soil testing occurred, with officials citing landslide studies. Villagers claim soil samples have been collected from numerous locations across multiple villages without landowner consent over the past eight months.

The farmers' association insists they will not permit mining in this environmentally sensitive zone. They point out the injustice of potentially allowing ore extraction from land for which local farmers have awaited property rights for 40 years. Village leaders have reported that officials have dug large pits, impeding farming, and that complaints to local authorities have gone unanswered.

According to villagers, officials indicated that nickel and cobalt deposits might exist in Kundalli, with potential extraction within four years. The farmers have warned of significant disruptions and a larger agitation if the government proceeds with granting mining permissions in the region.