JOIN USThe state government on Tuesday issued an order making Kappatagudda a ‘conservation reserve’ following charges that it was under pressure from the mining lobby to remove the conservation tag.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told journalists that he has signed an order to turn 80,000 acres of land into a conserved reserve. Hours later, a copy of the government order reached the journalists.
Siddalinga Swami of Dambal Mutt is spearheading a movement to protect Kappatagudda “from destruction" stating that “the forest wealth and rich flora and fauna of the area should be protected”. He was supported by Samaja Parivartana Samudaya's S R Hiremath and others.
Opposition parties JD(S) and the BJP had cornered the ruling party over the last few months in connection with the issue. Opposition Leader in Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar had charged that the government was being influenced by Baldota group, a mining company, to clear Kappatagudda for mining as it has rich mineral wealth.
Earlier, another company, Posco, had explored the area following reports that it had rich deposits of mineral ores, especially iron and high quality gold. The company was forced out of the state due to the protests by people.
DH News Service