In response to growing pressure from the mining industry, the Karnataka Forest Department is exploring models of 24×7 mining operations used in states like Odisha and Jharkhand. This move comes after years of resistance from the department against relaxing restrictions on mining in forested areas, amid concerns over environmental impact.
Mining companies that have received permission to operate in forest areas under strict guidelines—such as halting operations at night—are now lobbying for round-the-clock operations. The Federation of India Mineral Industries (FIMI) has been at the forefront of this push, citing the need to increase output and efficiency. Following pressure from the state’s Mines and Geology Department, the government has set up a committee to evaluate the possibility of 24-hour mining.
FIMI’s Demands and Push for Change
Over the last few months, FIMI has made two primary demands to the Forest Department: first, to allow 24×7 mining operations, and second, to end the manual transit pass system. The latter was introduced following the Lokayukta’s investigation into illegal iron ore extraction in the early 2010s, when widespread plundering of natural resources in Ballari district came to light.
The restrictions were put in place to curb illegal mining and environmental damage, with nighttime operations banned to minimize the impact on wildlife. FIMI, however, argues that modern mining techniques and technologies can mitigate these risks and has pointed to other states where mining is permitted around the clock.
Meeting with Forest Department
On October 5, 2024, a crucial meeting was held between Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment, N Manjunath Prasad and senior officials of the Forest Department, along with representatives of FIMI. The federation pointed to the success of 24-hour mining operations in Odisha and Jharkhand, where iron ore mining and transportation are allowed in three shifts throughout the day.
Despite FIMI’s arguments, Prasad expressed concerns about extending operations. Citing reports from local officials and environmental studies, he emphasized the need for forests and wildlife to have a respite from the disturbances caused by mining. The Environment Management Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) had previously submitted a report highlighting the negative impact of round-the-clock mining, particularly on nocturnal wildlife.
Odisha and Jharkhand Models Under Review
Although the Forest Department has been hesitant, the meeting concluded with an agreement to study the 24×7 mining models in Odisha and Jharkhand. A team, including the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and officials from the Ballari and Vijayanagar divisions, will be dispatched to these states to assess how 24-hour operations are managed, particularly in terms of minimizing environmental damage.
The Mines and Geology Department, however, disagreed with the Forest Department’s cautionary stance. The department’s director argued that Karnataka is capable of implementing its own policies without relying on external recommendations and that mining operations should be extended to 24 hours. He specifically advocated for 24-hour permits at railway sidings, which are not located in forested areas.
Environmental Concerns Remain
Environmentalists and local activists have raised concerns about the potential shift. The EMPRI study found that even conveyor belts, touted as an eco-friendly alternative to lorry transportation, caused significant noise pollution, affecting wildlife. The study recorded noise levels of up to 90 decibels—equivalent to heavy traffic—100 meters from conveyor belts, while quieter levels of 40-50 decibels were observed 250 meters away.
Sandur-based environmental activist Sreeshaila Aladahalli criticized the government for not rejecting the proposal outright. “The findings of the EMPRI should be taken seriously. Allowing mining 24×7 will disturb wildlife further. We don’t want more damage to the ecosystem,” he said.
A senior official echoed these concerns, noting that the biodiversity and ecological conditions in Karnataka are not the same as in Odisha or Jharkhand. “Illegal mining has already destroyed large areas of forests in Karnataka. We can’t blindly follow other states. Instead, we need stricter enforcement of existing forest clearance conditions,” the official said.
Decision Pending
The final decision on 24×7 mining operations will be made after the committee’s report is submitted. N Manjunath Prasad has emphasized that the state will weigh all concerns, including the environmental impact and input from a Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee, before taking any steps forward.
For now, Karnataka’s forests and wildlife will continue to enjoy nighttime respite, but the future remains uncertain as economic and environmental priorities collide.