Karnataka High Court enforces ban on mining near KRS Dam

Bengaluru: Expressing apprehension regarding potential hazards posed by mining activities to the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam in Srirangapatna, Mandya, the Karnataka High Court has implemented a ban on all mining and blasting operations within a 20-kilometre radius of the structure.

This ban, which was issued on Monday, will persist until the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad, conducts a comprehensive dam safety survey.

The court, however, has not specified a deadline for the completion of this study under the Dam Safety Act of 2022.

The High Court's decision came following a petition initially filed by CG Kumar, contesting the deputy commissioner's directive, which stipulated that land conversion for stone quarrying would only be allowed post a trial blast conducted by the Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Limited. Recognising the gravity of the matter and concerns surrounding potential damage to the KRS Dam due to mining activities, the petition was transformed into a public interest litigation (PIL).

During the hearings, the court emphasised the criticality of the issue, noting that while disputes over Cauvery River waters persist between states, inadequate attention is directed toward ensuring the safety of the KRS dam. Highlighting the dam's significance, the court said that it provides water for irrigation across 1,25,000 acres of arid lands in Mandya district.

Citing the potential perilous consequences of any oversight, the court warned that a minor lapse could lead to a catastrophic hazard. Emphasising the historic importance of the dam, constructed between 1911 and 1932 under the guidance of Sir M Visvesvaraya and the vision of Sri Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, the court underscored its pivotal role in transforming the state's irrigation landscape.