Karnataka mulls allowing 24-hour mining in forest land?

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is considering a proposal to allow round-the-clock mining activities in forest land, excluding protected wildlife and biodiversity zones, as part of efforts to enhance state revenue. The government is drafting amendments to the Karnataka Forest Act of 1963, which are expected to be presented to the state cabinet after by-elections in three assembly constituencies. Additionally, amendments are underway to exclude iron ore from the classification of “forest produce,” thus reducing regulatory limitations on iron mining.

According to sources, the proposal arises from a recent review meeting led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, where he expressed concern over a reported 8% decrease in mining revenue compared to 2023. The Mines and Geology Department has attributed this shortfall to Forest Department restrictions, which it claims have hindered revenue collection. In response, the Chief Minister urged officials to avoid obstructing development efforts for the state, emphasizing that action should only be taken against clear rule violations and that unnecessary barriers should be minimized.

Exemptions for Wildlife Zones:

Sources said, following consultations, the Chief Secretary has advocated for uninterrupted mining activities in forests that do not fall within wildlife sanctuaries or biodiversity zones. To facilitate this, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh has directed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department and the Secretary of the Department of Commerce and Industries (Mines) to draft necessary amendments for presentation at an upcoming cabinet meeting.

Environmental Concerns:

The proposal has sparked opposition from environmental advocates, citing that over 4,000 acres of forest land have already been impacted by mining activities across Ballari, Tumakuru, and Chitradurga. Further, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has publicly disputed the Forest Department’s ownership claims over HMT land in Bengaluru’s Peenya area, underlining that the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company will not be allowed to conduct mining in the Devadari forest area. Khandre’s stance has found favor with environmentalists, who view these amendments as a potential risk to the state’s forest preservation.

Why the Push for Mining?

• The Karnataka government is actively seeking alternative revenue streams to address financial challenges.
• A recent review by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah raised concerns over unmet revenue expectations.
• Mines and Geology Department reports revenue loss attributed to Forest Department restrictions.
• Legislative amendments aim to exclude iron ore from the forest produce category to simplify mining operations.