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Chapter –7

Role of local self government and non government organizations in

environmental protection:

Local Self Government is the management of local affairs by group of

persons who have been elected by local people. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had said,

"Local Self Government is, and must be, the basic of any true system of

democracy." In the recent years local self government and non-government

organization has been a subject of great deal of social research and evaluation in

the context of development being sought to be achieved through a process of

decentralization of political power at the grass root level. The local government

imitations are expected to take part in almost all the activities both organized and

unorganized sectors in the village-setup. The Indian panchayat raj is based on the

principles of sharing decision-making power by all the elected members who are

supposed to thus, for the villagers bring the demands, needs and aspiration of the

people their respective constituencies to bean on the process of decision making

regarding not only the requisite resources but also allocations these resources

across competing demands.

These local authorities supervise, direct, control and monitor a wide-range of

schemes of limited relief and reform concerning all the people particularly relating

to health, local population education, welfare services, roads, peace and security of

the local authorities and manage an enormous amount of capital, mobilized partly

from local resources and partly from the governments concerned.

Democratic decentralization has a fairly long history in India. Since

independence several attempts have been made to revitalize this system. An

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important milestone in this process was the 73rd and 74th amendments to

constitution of India in 1992. As a result, panchayat raj institutions (PRIs) gained

constitutional status and came to be regarded as the third level of governance.

The 73rd Amendment to the constitution envisages setting up of local

governance structures with the intention of deepening democracy at the grass roots.

This was to be achieved by bringing marginalized groups in to the mainstream

political process through affirmative action. The state of Karnataka has a fairly

impressive record in terms of decentralization. The major landmark in recent times

is the 1983 Act (The Karnataka Zilla parishad, Taluk panchayat Samiti, Mandal

panchayat and Nyaya panchayat Act 1983). This Act, influenced by the Ashok

Mehta committee’s recommendations (1978) at the national level, went further in

some respects.

This act was substituted by a new legislation in 1993 (The Karnataka

Panchayat Raj Act 1993). This was due partly to the need to accommodate the

mandatory provisions brought in by the 73rd & 74th amendments to the constitution

by virtue of these amendments. PRIs obtained a constitutional status further a three

tier elected structure was also made mandatory. As a result, the 1993 Act provides

for the following three-tier structure- Zilla panchayat (district level) Taluk

panchayat (block level) and Gram panchayat (village level).

The Local Self Government is entitled to discharge certain compulsory

functions like; supplying safe and clean drinking water , imparting and maintaining

proper drainage and sewage systems , providing public street lighting, sanitation

and hygiene of public places, public building, roads, culverts and bridges

maintenance and issuing licenses for trade activities and also issuing and

maintaining birth and death records. Apart from these the local self government

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can deliver some discretionary functions including education, health, community

and recreation services. Regarding the maintenance of the health either the

sanitation or environmental degradation it will bring notice to the related

authorities of the government.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs):

Non-governmental organizations have been strongly associated with grass

root action and community organizing which may exist outside the domain of the

formal development world. Others see non-governmental organizations primarily

as service contractors, able to work more efficiently and more effectively than

government agencies, but with comparatively little legitimacy with which to

challenge policy or represent people. There is now a growing interest in non-

governmental organizations as the governments have started with drawing slowly

and surreptitiously from welfare programmes. As international policy actors in the

environmental and human rights fields, there has been an unabated proliferation of

NGO’s of all sorts. As result there is a need to subject NGO’s to public scrutiny.

The concept is potentially useful because it removes some of the problems of the

current, commonly used terminologies, which are culture bound and ill defined-

such as voluntary, not – for profit, non-governmental, citizen’s organizations. The

term third sector appears to be gaining usage in both North and South non-

governmental organizations include large or small organizations, formal or

informal, international or local self-help or public interest internally aided or

locally resourced and service delivery or advocacy – all of which are working in

the general field of poverty alleviation.

Non-governmental organizations have long been seen to play a wide variety

of roles in development. Clerk (1991) argued that non-governmental organizations

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may be less constrained by orthodox thinking and by inflexible bureaucratic

structures that could allow staff to engage in experimentation and adoption in

tackling development problems.

Some non-governmental organizations have become bureaucratic and

increasingly bogged down in concerns about their ability to raise funds, profit and

market share and others have become sub contractors of donors or governments.

Non-governmental organizations have been at the forefront in recent years of

development in microfinance provision for the poor; the evolution of more

inclusive participatory planning and evaluation techniques and in rising public

awareness about environment, poverty and human rights issues.

In many parts of the country/world, non-governmental organizations have

been involved in developing innovative solution to practical development

problems, such as new technological responses to the challenges faced by low

income, marginal farmers, mining workers whose needs and concerns are often

been excluded from mainstream agricultural extension policy and practice

(Farrington and Beggington, 1993).

Non-governmental organizations to play the role of the innovator more than

ever in order to find real relevance in addressing poverty, in equality, and issues of

social change. The new pragmatic climate provides opportunities in which new

ideas have the potential to be influential as old orthodoxies come under strain.

NGOs are operating in a context of rapid change, including economic and

cultural globalization, the growth of intrastate violence and the complexity of

humanitarian responses, and the ongoing reform of the international development

industry. Non-governmental organizations are strongly shaped by the wider

changes taking place in their environment, yet they must find ways to contribute to

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the ultimate direction and form that such change take as they engage in acts of

resistance and negotiation.

Non-governmental organizations are private voluntary organizations whose

members are individuals or associations that come together to achieve a common

purpose. Some organizations are formed to advocate a particular cause such as

human rights, peace or environmental protection. Non-governmental organizations

are increasingly active today at all levels of human society and governance, from

local or grass roots committees to national and international politics. National-level

groups are often called interest or pressure groups. The estimates of number of

Non-governmental organizations vary enormously. The yearbook of International

organization identifies over 6500 non-governmental organizations that have

international dimensions either in terms of membership or commitment to conduct

activities in several states.

The role of non-governmental organizations in environmental governance:

Non-governmental organizations have played an important role in

environmental issues since the 19th century. In 1960’s, the emergence of

environmental protection and movements came into existence but it was followed

after 1972. Stockholm conference, the number of scope of both internationally

based Non- governmental organizations and small, locally based environmental

Non- governmental organizations in the less developed countries have expanded.

The world directory of environmental organizations lists 22,600 environmental

organizations – the larger umbrella organizations.

The role played by local organizations and Non-governmental organizations

in mining industry is very important. The non-governmental organizations and

local organizations at the level of gram panchayat are participating in discussions

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and arguments on mining activities. Some members and presidents of gram

panchayat have protested mining activities strongly. People are fighting against

their own will against mining activities and have taken resolutions on this own.

Their resolutions say that mines are national wealth and they should belong to

everybody and it is not the property of a few politicians and the rich. Therefore

mining activities should be nationalized.

The government has incurred lot of loss to the government exchequer due to

illegal mining activities. The mine owners have tricked and grabbed the

government property and looted public money crores together. Rigid rules should

be imposed to retrieve crores of money lost, due to mining activities.

Mining activities should be nationalized. The villages in and around mining

areas should be adopted for social, economic and education improvements. Basic

infrastructure facilities should be provided for people in and around areas of

mining. People in these areas should be given employment; civic facilities like

health, education, transport, communication should be given to the villages

affected by mining activities.

Environmental pollution caused due to mining should be dispensed and

environment friendly programmes should be implemented. Measures should be

taken to improve ground water level.

Combined efforts are made to stop mining especially in Honnebagi,

Bullenahalli, Gollarahallii and Musakondli villages by Grampanchayat members,

president, vice president, Taluk panchayat and Zilla panchayat members. They

have made public protest against mining activities. The public are opposing mining

activities in order to save their lands, water resources and environment. One can

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understand the intensity of opposition to mining activities if one looks at the

support of NGOs, Shree shakti organizations to protest against mining.

The village schools, temples, tanks, ponds, roads, public places and

drainages are covered with dust and mud spreading from ores. A few villages who

are working as commission agents for mine owners are obstructing the success of

efforts against mining activities.

The Gram panchayat have taken difference of opinion on mining and

thereby weakened the strength against mining activities.

The first instance of collective struggle against mining can be seen in

Honnebagi Gram panchayat. The Gram panchayat of Honnebagi village has taken

a resolution on stopping all mining activities.

The president, vice president and members of Honnebagi Taluk panchayat

and zilla panchayat have done strong protest and successfully stopped mining

activities temporarily; on the other hand a few miscreants of the village have

attempted to break the unity and fighting spirit of the villagers. Some have set the

mining machines on fire and tried to implicate that was done by the villagers. They

have allied with the police in booking cases against the villagers. In contrast at

Honnabagi villagers the Shivasandra village panchayat members themselves are

running mining activities. The local poor villagers of Shivasandra are neutral to the

mining activities. Some villagers are giving their lands on lease and there by

becoming reasons for the continuation of mining activities.

As a result, the agricultural produce has reduced; ground water level has

come down. Plants and trees are becoming dry. Tanks and ponds are acquired

illegally. People and cattle are falling prey to many diseases. The youth

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denouncing values and ethics of Indian society and involving in anti ethical and

anti-social practices, many young villagers below 15 years are working in mines

and struggling to eke-out a living.

Massira protests against mining should be organized to give social justice to

people. Grampanchayat, taluk panchayt and zilla panchayat members are indirectly

supporting mining activities and thereby becoming dangerous for the development

of the nation. A few Grampanchayt, Taluk panchayat and zilla panchayat members

are directing the mining activities indirectly. They are dividing the villagers into

two sections and exploiting the national wealth for self interests. In Shivsandra

village of Gubbi taluk Tumkur district the relatives of MLA themselves are

involved in mining activities and thereby no organization has raised any voice

against illegal mining activities. A person belonging to former MLA undertaking

mining activities has come to light during field work of the researcher. ‘Matha

Mines’ is undertaking mining activities in and around Shivasandra village and thus

affected agriculture activities.

Deep trenches are dug during mining activities and as a result ground water

has sunk. Deposition of fine dust on the leaves of crops has reduced the yield. The

treachery of mining middlemen and the politically strong mine owners have made

any anti mining protest unsuccessful as it is draught with grave-risks to protesters

People involved in mining have appointed goondas to frighten and threaten any

persons working against mining.

Local people are actively involved in mining activities in Muskondli village

of Gubbi taluk with the active connivance of local officials. Many local people are

coolies and labourers depending on mining for livelihood. They have purchased

trucks and tippers to transports iron ore they by propping up mining activity.

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On the other hand the opposite groups the anti-mining groups under the

leadership of Sri Nanjundappa have opposed mining in novel days. The protesters

have dug trenches on the way/roads where ore filled tractors and Lorries ply. They

have started ‘Save environment movement’ to bring awareness among people. The

protesters have also complained about the bad effects of mining to D.C, Tahasildar,

Forest Officer, and Police Department through a requisition letter but nothing came

out of it the head master of Musakondli village government primary school has

given petition against mining activities along with his young students.

Mineral dust is depositing on the houses, schools, compounds and people

and cattle are inhaling fine particles of sand and have fallen victims to many

diseases. The villagers have complained in writing to district health and family

welfare office and the reply to this compliant through the office with letter No:

Dist Tu Naro: 75:2004-05; dated: 19/02/2005 consents/certifies that mining causes

diseases related to lungs.

Musakondli villagers of Nittur Hobli, Gubbi Taluk and Narasihalli villagers

of Chikkanayakanahallli taluk have complained with requisitions to a

commissioner, Tahasildar, District Police Commissioner, Circle inspector of

Gubbi, Reserve police inspector with separate petitions on 01.10.2004 to

03.10.2004. Road blocking, abstinence from food through Upavasa satyagraha,

exhibiting broom sticks are some ways in which these villagers have protested.

People have explained the ill effects of mining on health, environment agriculture

crops. This symbolizes the concern of the villagers for environmental well being.

Programmes are organized by the villagers to bring environmental awareness.

People are enlightened on the ill effects of mining on environment.

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According a report published on 18.01.2007 in Kannada Prabha daily

newspaper, the dust deposited on the surface of water ‘in tanks, ponds are

dangerous. This leads to many diseases if the cattle drink such water. The

inhalation of dust causes many kinds of respiratory problems on human beings.

“If we block the mining Lorries carrying ore, the mine owners shows us

pistols and threaten” complained villagers, ‘Chandrappa and Srinivas of Guddada

palya village to Krishnappa the local MLA. The MLA his supported the villages

and joined hands with the villagers in stopping mine Lorries by blocking the roads.

Speaking on the occasion M.T.Krishnappa M.L.A Turuvekere constituency opined

that a few rich are looting the nation’s wealth and mining has endangered the lives

of people and crops “the Tumkur district administration has encouraged illegal

mining activities complained M.T.Krishnappa in Sanjevani Newspaper. On

01.1.2007, he added that in Chikkanayakanahalli, large scale illegal mining is

happening and in spite of frequent complaints, the district commissioners, district

superintendent of police (SP), officials of mines and geology departments have

remained silent on these issues. This lead to lot of doubts and suspicious about the

administration itself” said Mr.Krisnhappa. Destruction of crops, health problems,

decrease in the ground water level, drinking water problems are caused by mining.

The Lorries transports ore to railway goods trains causing lot of dust. The

passenger inhales the same and fall victims to lungs and respiratory problems.

Mining in Tumkur district is more than Thehelka scam said MLA Krishnappa.

Save Mineral wealth by Nationalization:

According to Saturday’s 26-07-2008’s Kannada Prabha article, the national

mineral wealth should fulfill the national needs. This is possible only by

nationalization of mining. The same is supported by intellectuals, NGO’s, writers

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who visited Shivasandra village. In different parts of Karnataka lands are given for

lease to the private companies. This has given way to the over-exploitation of

mineral wealth, damage to the agricultural land, exploitation- labours, destruction

of forest and environment. Karnataka which contains 250 crore ton of mineral iron

ore is fast losing its resources due to mining, the mine owners who have become

rich to such an extent that they are buying politicians and directing administration.

According to news of 24-07-2008 Thursday in Vijaya karnataka, the

villagers of Honnebagi, Bullenahalli, Gollarhalli, Jogihalli were in protest against

the mining middleman/agents. Four years back the mine owners had consented by

writing on a stamp paper that they will abstain mining activity around 800 years

old abide Malleshwaraswamy temple and they would adopt all the four villages

around the mining over and develop civic facilities for them. The protesters

complained that mining is undertaken only 50 meters away from the temple and

the temple is slowly becoming weak day by day. Taluk panchayat president

H.M.Surendraiah, Z.P. Member B.N.Shivaprakash, temple development committee

president Basavaraju, Erranaiah, Surveshwar, Honnebagi Ramesh, former

president of Grampanchayat H.R.Sridhar, Bullenahalli Siddarmaiah participated in

the protest. Mine and geology department Assistant Director Suresh Babu,

Tahasildar Tabasum Jahera, Dy SP Mahadevaiah, Circle Inspector P.Ravi Prasad

visited the spot and stated that they do not have enough powers to stop mining but

they report the matter to the District administration.

Later according to 05-7-2008 Prajavani newspaper thousands of villagers

have forced the government to stop mining by organizing protest rallies. Taluk

panchayat Ex-president, H.M.Surendraiah spoke on the occasion and explained

how villages like Honnebagi are affected by mining activities. All this will lead to

fearful famine in the coming days due to mining. As there is no irrigation facility

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to these villages every family should be compensated demanded H.M.Surendraiah.

Otherwise we are going to stop mining said the leader.

Efforts to stop mining:

Villagers have made many attempts to stop iron ore mining filled lorries but

they failed for one or the other reason, but finally one day they stopped the lorries

on the road and villagers protested in Honnebagi, Bullenahalli, and Jogihalli, and

they said we are not going to allow you to mine unless you give suitable relief to

the villages where mining is done.

People in the jurisdiction of Honnebagi Grampanchayat have complained

about the bad effects caused by mining activities to the natural resources of the

village before the Tahasildar, reserve police officer, forest officer, district

commissioner and officials of mines and Geology Department. Villagers have

complained the physical and psychological tortures by the officers when they take

requisitions to them. During area survey and collection of information, when

people of mining areas tried to contact and complain about the problems created by

mining, they are not permitted and sometimes ignored their pleas influenced by

mine owners and agents the local officers has censured and filed cases against

farmers, by not filing cases and not giving acknowledgement.

Indirect support to mine owners and acting in ways which will be beneficial

to the mine owners is the common tendency of the officers. Local politicians are

indirect partners of mining activity. It appears that an unwritten agreement has

been formed between the mine owners, politicians and officials. Politicians are

directing the local government to facilitate mining activity. By showing interest in

mining not showing concern for the demands of the villagers and tempted by the

bribes of the mine owners, the officials are leading to the destruction and damage

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of the environment. Farmers, women, small farmers, labourers, daily wage earners,

communities involved in agricultural produce due to the environmental damages

caused by mining.

Moreover people have fallen victim to incurable diseases and are living a

life of death. By giving indirect support to mining, government officials and

politicians have become enemies of people. The government has succumbed to the

mining lobby and failed in implementing suitable actions. The opposition parties

too are silent in raising the issue, both the ruling party and the opposition are

censuring each other and meanwhile the valuable ore is looted. In order to

strengthen and mobilize political parties the politicians accept bribes from mine

owners and thereby corruption increases.

Mining has increased the divide between the rich and the poor. The mine

owner, politicians and officials are becoming richer and richer while the rest of the

masses are struggling without food, clothing, safe drinking water and all the more

pure air to breathe; villagers are reeling in the circle of poverty. Agriculture, Diary

farming, Poultry, Horticulture, Sheep rearing and Forest products gathering which

were the chief livelihood are people are ruined by mining. People who take oaths

of office in the name of common citizens have connived with mine owners for

solve interest and are living a life of luxury and extravagance is resorts, foreign

trips and costly parties but ordinary peoples are losing mental balance because of

losing economical strength and agricultural income due to mining activities.

People in and around mining areas are suffering from breathing problems,

diseases related to lungs like asthma, T.B, sexual diseases, skin diseases, Heart

attacks, abortions, increased child mortality, untimely death, physical and mental

disability. In recent times, contribution of poor work environmental conditions,

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poor perception of work conditions and presence of adverse health condition in

workers on occupational injury occurrence has been highlighted. Need exists for

a participatory occupational health programme for this working population and

also it needs to be promote research on the prevention and control of occupational

health hazards.

The government has failed to compensate and regulate the ill effects of

mining. The mine owners or the agents are ready to reimburse the cost of medical

expenses incurred by sick people in mining areas and agents are bringing people

from different parts of the country and many people are self migrating from

different places to mining areas in search of jobs. Influenced by this migratory

population the local people have fallen victims to bad habits like drinking,

smoking, women trafficking and many young children have dropped out of school,

tempted by the fees paid jobs in the mining industry.

All this has led to the ruin of community relationships and survival of

commercial relationships. Nobody is interested in solving these problems local

organizations are also tempted by the mine owners. Local people being small

famers, landless agricultural labourers, marginal farmers are not able to do

anything because mine owners are politically, economically powerful and they are

able to buy opposition, even if they are from the local government officials.

Response of the village panchayat, Taluk and zilla panchayat has been poor,

divided and highly partisan. The mining activity is subject that is discussed hotly at

government level and local institutions – like Zillapanchayat, Taluk Panchayat and

grama Panchayat meetings. In the local level a few people’s representatives are

involved in mining. The panchayat are not united in the cause.

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Table No 7.1: whether mining was discussed in panchayat meetings.

Sl No Response Frequency Percentage

1 Yes 145 48.33

2 No 155 51.67

Total 300 100

It can be seen in the table No- 7.1, 48.33 percent of the respondents reported

to mining activities discussed in panchayat meetings and 51.67 percent of the

respondents reported mining activities not discussed in panchayat meetings. This

shows grama panchayat members are divided in two parties.

Mining produces both short term effects as well as long-term effects. It is

carried out in various stages; deposit prospecting and exploration stage; mine

development and preparation stage; mine exploitation stage and treatment of

mineral stage each involving specific environmental impacts. A few people in the

village are supporting the mine owners the people in the villages are divided.

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Table No 7.2: whether there is unity among panchayat members in resolving

mining issues.

SlNo Response Frequency percentage

1 Yes 130 43.33

2 No 170 56.67

Total 300 100

From the above table No-7.2 shows that, the role of panchayat in resolving

the problems of mining issues. It reveals that 43.33percent of the respondents have

accepted that panchayat have played a major role in solving mining issues but

56.67 percent of the respondents have negatively responded.

Mining of minerals is a process of fighting against nature for the benefit of

mankind. The processes of mining either by open excavation method or by

underground mining technology create impacts on men, site and adjoining areas

and properties. Some of the negative impacts sometimes pose threat to living

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beings inhabiting the particular locality. Given this situation an attempt has been

made to assess the members ever faced threats from mine owners and their

Henchmen.

Table No-7.3: Threats by mine owners & henchmen to people against mining

Sl No Response Frequency Percentage

1 Yes 148 49.33

2 No 152 50.67

Total 300 100

The table No-7.3 reveals that 49.33 percent of the respondents have faced

threats by the mine owners and their henchmen. But 50.67 percent respondents

have not faced any threats by the mine owners and their henchmen. This situation

shows that the middle class people are threatened, suffered and exploited by the

mining owners and their henchmen. Low strata people and labors have not faced

threats from the mine owners and their henchmen.

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Table No 7.4: Availability and Accessibility of Local Officers.

Sl.No Response Frequency Percentage

1 Accessible 100 33.33

2 Not accessible 200 66.67

Total 300 100

The Table 6.4 shows that 66.67 percent of the respondents reported that

local officers regarding this problem they are not available and are not accessible

but 33.33 percent of the respondents reported that local officers regarding in this

problem easily are available and accessible.

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Table 7.5: Mode of interaction with local officers

Sl.No Response Frequency Percentage

1 Oral Presentation 85 28.33

2 Memorandum 155 51.67

3 Through local leader 60 20.00

Total 300 100

Table No 7.5 shows that 51.67 percent of the respondents reported that

bring the problem to their official attention through the memorandum and 28.33

percent of the respondents bring the problem to official noticed through the oral

presentation and 20 percent of the respondents reported that bring the problem of

their attention through local leader.

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Table 7.6 Response of local administration:

Sl no Mode of response Frequency Percentage

1 Attentive 20 6.66

2 Helpful 50 16.67

3 Indifferent 173 57.67

7 Hostile 32 10.67

8 Corrupt 25 8.33

Total 300 100

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It can be seen in the table No.7.6 it reveals that 57.67 percent of the

respondents reported responses from local officers sides indifferent, Non-co-

operative and dodging and 16.67 percent of the respondents reported that responses

from local officers side helpful and 10.67 percent of the respondents reported

responses from local officers side hostile, 8.33 percent of the respondents reported

local officers are corrupt and 6.66 percent of the respondents reported local officers

are very attentive

Table No: 7.7: Response of local people affected by mining

Sl.No Response Frequency Percentage

1 Migrate out 66 22

2 Not migrate 234 78

Total 300 100

The above table 7.7 reveals that 78 percent of the respondents reported not

migrate and 22 percent of the respondents reported to migrate out other places.

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Table No 7.8: Compensation towards health risks.

Sl.No Response Frequency Percentage

1 Yes 275 91.67

2 No 25 8.33

Total 300 100

The above table 7.8 reveals that 91.67 percent of the respondents reported

demand compensation from the mine owners to meet costs of health risks and 8.33

percent of the respondents reported that cannot demand compensation from the

mine owners to meet costs of health risks. The mine owners or the middleman have

not given any solutions or remedies peoples have asked for remedies regarding the

loss of health due to mining. So far no relief is given in this regard.

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Table 7.9: Compensation for crop loss

Sl.No Response Frequency Percentage

1 Yes 238 79.33

2 No 62 20.67

Total 300 100

It can be seen in the table 7.9 :79.33 percent of the respondents of local

people being small farmers, landless agricultural labourers, marginal farmers

reported that demand compensation for crops-loss and 20.67 percent of the

respondents cannot claim demand compensation for crops-loss. Meanwhile the

mine owners or the middleman have not given any solutions or remedies regarding

the loss of crops due to mining. So far no relief is given in this regard.

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Mining has damaged the production of crops the water plight has gone

down, the orchards and grooves supported by bore wells are dying down. Due to

blasting of dynamite and deep pits the scarce water resources are depleting.

Table No-7.10: Distress and suffers from mining activity

Slno Response Frequency Percentage

1 Yes 200 66.67

2 No 100 33.33

Total 300 100

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It can be noted from the table No-7.10, 66.67 percent of the respondents

reported that peoples are suffering and distress due to mining activity, and 33.33

percent of the respondents are not reported distress and suffering from mining

activity, Rural people’s are humble request is to nationalize the mining industry.

Irrigation facility should be too extended to all the villages affected by mining.

Drinking water facility should be provided to all the villages in the mining areas

and there by achieve rural development.

While in Shivasandra, Musakondli, Gollarahalli, Bullenahalli and

Honnebagi, a group of about 300 residents of Musakondli, Gollarahalli,

Bullenahalli and Honnebagi.met me at the forest lodge and expressed their

difficulty because of the transportation of iron ore.

According to them, they are unable to keep their doors and windows of their

house open even for few minutes during the day or night and drinking water

sources as well as vegetation have been covered by mineral dust. Consequently.the

population of Shivasandra, Musakondli, Gollaralli, Bullenahalli, and Hannebagi,

have been suffering from various ailments and the people who are indulging in

mining activities have absolutely no concern for the welfare of the local people. I

found a lot if Justification in their complaint.

Discussion on the role of elected members of gram panchayath in the

preceding pages shows among other thing certain interesting insights-people in

villages are aware of the ill-effects of mining on their life, their sources of

livelihood forest, soil, water, animals and plants. Indeed people themselves tried

repeatedly in their own way to call a stop to illegal mining activities but

unsuccessful. It is an irony that panchayath members who have the responsibility

according to competition to protect the local resources have been themselves

involved in one way are another in illegal mining activities. Helplessly, small and

marginal farmers have given out their land on lease and some of themselves who

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are clever turned to be truckers, middlemen and even henchmen of mining-lords.

Landless agricultural labourers have not much to lose, anyway because they earn

wages to live a subsistence life and youngsters have take to unethical illegal and

anti-social activities because these activities suit their tastes and temperaments. It

is hardly surprising that mining including illegal mining thrive on almost

uninterruptedly. This is a sad commentary on the current government policies.

Only time can provide answer to this illegal looting of national wealth by vested-

interests.

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