Two Villages in Kodagu Oppose Mining, Cite Threat to Homes and Forests

File photo of a stone quarry at Kadanga village in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu district. Photo: The Kodagu Express.

Madikeri/Virajpet: Residents of two clusters of villages in Kodagu have intensified their protest against proposed and ongoing stone quarrying, warning that mining activities could endanger homes, farmland, forests, and water sources.

In Somwarpet taluk, villagers of Yalakanur (Halemadalapura) under Nerugale gram panchayat have opposed a proposal to grant a no-objection certificate (NOC) for stone mining in the area. Locals say the proposed quarry site lies barely 10 metres from a tribal colony housing around 25 families, raising concerns about safety and displacement, according to TOI report.

K.J. Umesh, general secretary of the Sri Basaveshwara and Sri Kumaran Lingeshwara Temple Restoration Committee, said the project would adversely affect both cultural and ecological heritage. He pointed out that an ancient Basavanna shrine stands close to the proposed site and that the Muzrai department has already sanctioned ₹3 lakh for the construction of Basaveshwara and Kumar Lingeshwara temples nearby.

“The area includes agricultural land, a stream, the Kakkehole reserve forest, and Jenukallu hill. Allowing mining here will permanently damage the fragile ecosystem,” he said.

Villagers also expressed concern over the movement of heavy vehicles through narrow colony roads, stating it would severely disrupt daily life and pose risks to residents.

They have submitted representations to Forest Minister Eshwara Khandre, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner S.J. Somashekar, and officials from the departments of mines and geology and social welfare, urging authorities not to grant clearance. Residents have sought a written assurance within 15 days, failing which they warned of protests outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office and the forest department.

Meanwhile, in Virajpet taluk, residents of Kadangamaruru and Arameri villages have resolved to intensify their agitation against quarrying in Arameri. Villagers alleged that despite strong local opposition, the Department of Mines and Geology granted permission for mining over 4.5 acres, according TOI report.

Locals said mining operations, which were earlier halted following intervention by Virajpet MLA A. S. Ponnanna, have resumed, with the use of heavy explosives causing alarm.

“We have opposed this project since 2022, but our concerns have been ignored,” residents said, adding that although complaints were filed and inspections carried out, no comprehensive survey of residential or agricultural areas was undertaken.

Villagers further alleged that quarry operations earlier saw 70 to 80 lorry loads of stone being transported daily, causing dust, noise, and road damage. They have now demanded immediate cancellation of the mining licence, warning that protests will intensify if authorities fail to act.

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