Dr. A. N. Yellappa Reddy, IFS, Secretary for Environment & Ecology, Govt. of Karnataka (Retd.) 

&

Dr. T. J. Renuka Prasad M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D. Professor of Geology (Retd.) Bangalore University 

Invite the attention about the protection of Swamimalai forest, Sandur, Bellary District, Karnataka State

You can read in-depth about this campaign here- Seeking Justice in Sandur Taluk

ಈ ಅಭಿಯಾನದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ನೀವು ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಬಹುದು- ಸಂಡೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಭೂಮಿ ತಾಯಿಗೆ ನ್ಯಾಯ ಸಿಕ್ಕೀತೇ ?

Sacred Heritage sites in India encompass rich cultural heritage and preserve the crucial geo-bio diversity with a wonderful hydrological setup, making us realize the critical importance of preserving them for our survival & a gift to our generations to come.

Even when we reconstruct a temple we retain the garbha gudi and the idols. Similarly, while we have destroyed a lot of forest and caused havoc by mining, let us limit ourselves and preserve the Sacred Heritage sites of Swamimalai and Devagiri Gudda. These are the world’s oldest geological heritage sites that showcase the maturity of ancient knowledge in India. The cultural, scientific and ecological importance of these Sacred Heritage sites requires preservation. These Sacred Heritage sites are critical to the water ecology and also contain innumerable rare species of trees, plants and microbiome in addition to the fauna that has immense value. These are sites that we would expect the government to take up Heritage and ayurvedic research.

The Indian forest coverage has come down drastically & It’s around 21.71%. The Karnataka state has lost huge forest coverage & it’s around 20.11%. We are yet to meet the minimum required forest coverage of 33% to have a sustainable life. We wish to have development for a good life with breathable air with good quality drinking water.

Sandur or outwash plain is formed of glacial sediments deposited by meltwater outwash at the end or snout of a glacier. Sandurs consist of sand and gravel that the glacier has grinded from the underlying rock surface as it flows. Let's appreciate the nature gift of providing such a wonderful gift, a work carried out in millions of years. We shouldn't grab it in minutes, just because the generation is technically sound.

The destruction by mining would give short term gain to one company while causing destruction and doom to the rest in the short and long term. The destruction caused by mining is already seen in Sandur in the form of deterioration of people’s health and drop in agricultural yield. This is like the man who cut the hen laying the golden eggs. We need to choose between getting the golden eggs for ever or have blood on our hands and repent.

Devaragudda is the place of BIF, volcanic & ferrigenous sedimentary & bordering with Iron,  Mn & carbonates unlike Donimalai. Already Donimalai region ruined & created havoc. It amounts to culpable homicide to the life of mankind. Next, Devaragudda also face the same situation undoubtedly. Kudremukh co. has destroyed the Western Ghats & Sandur schist is the big attraction. The public outcry has stopped the Kudremukh project. The ore was sold at Two paise/kilo & exported. Later India has imported finished products at x1000. The other countries benefitted more than us. More than money, loss of virgin Biodiverse forest with waterscape.

 Simplified geological map of Sandur schist belt

An article was published by Varthabharati highlighting this issue. Here's a snippet of the same

ಭೂಮಿಯ ವಾತಾವರಣದ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಕೊಡುಗೆಯೇನೆಂದರೆ, ಅದು ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಜೀವಿಗಳ ಮತ್ತು ಮಾನವರ ನಡವಳಿಕೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಪ್ರಭಾವ ಬೀರುತ್ತದೆ. ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ ಕಾಡನ್ನು ನಾಶಮಾಡಿ ಭೂಮಿಯನ್ನು ಬೆತ್ತಲೆಗೊಳಿಸುವುದರಿಂದ, ಬ್ಯಾಕ್ಟೀರಿಯಾ, ಶಿಲೀಂದ್ರ, ಪಾಚಿ ಮತ್ತು ಸಣ್ಣ ಸಣ್ಣ ಜೀವಪುಂಜಗಳು ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಎಲ್ಲವನ್ನೂ ನಾಶಗೊಳಿಸುವುದರಿಂದ ಜೀವಸಂಕುಲವೇ ವಿನಾಶದ ಅಂಚಿಗೆ ಸರಿದು ಅಳಿದುಹೋಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಹೀಗಾಗಿ ನಾವು ಈ ಭೂಗ್ರಹದ ಮೇಲೆ ಜೀವವನ್ನು ಉಳಿಸಿ ಕಾಪಾಡಬೇಕೆಂದರೆ ಬಿಲಿಯಗಟ್ಟಲೆ ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಹಿಂದೆ ಆದಂತಹ ಅಳಿದುಳಿದ ದೇವಗಿರಿ ಮತ್ತು ಸ್ವಾಮಿಮಲೈ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಪ್ರದೇಶದ ಹಸಿರು ತೇಪೆಗಳನ್ನಾದರೂ ರಕ್ಷಿಸುವ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡಬೇಕಾಗಿದೆ.

 For truly long term economic development, these areas should become research hotspots to help ecological rejuvenation in other places around. The gains from research and preservation can help sustain rejuvenation of local ecology as well as distant ones while giving new hope for us all. Let us get blessings at the Heritage sites and also hope that the future generations get the blessings.

These videos show the poor state of the Sandur due to the mining activities.

Mining creates jobs and problems in Sandur

Hills being destroyed by mining in Sandur

Sandur | Iron Ore Mines

Mining and deforestation is just not the problem of Sandur. The following links have shown the extent of destruction and loss of natural resources around the world

Deforestation of the Amazon (Time Lapse)

Satellite shows extent of terrible destruction to the planet - BBC

But all is not lost. This video shows all the efforts made by people to save nature throughout the country on various occasions

Marvelous Indian forest save

All these movements to save forest and nature have been successful due to active participation of people, and educating people the importance of conservation of flora and fauna before it's too late.

Your support in signing this petition can take us one step closer to making this a successful campaign, and help in saving such "endangered" spreads of forests in the future!

With collective efforts, we can save mother earth and prevent the degradation of the ecosystem. It is our collective responsibility to protect and improve the ecosystem for future generations. If we take care of nature, then nature will not only take care of us but also of future generations. Let's join hands to preserve this beautiful ecosystem.