Karnataka: Planes over Kappatagudda make Gadag residents anxious

GADAG: Planes flying around Kapatagudda hill and the Tungabhadra River in Mundaragi taluk have led to anxiety among the residents of Gadag district. They have been making rounds since the second week of this month.
Speculation is rife that the government is planning to hand over the Kappatagudda hills to some mining companies. It can be recalled that hills were declared as conservation reserve in December 2015, but the tag was withdrawn in November 2016. Subsequently, after numerous protests and public consultations, then chief minister Siddaramaiah had reinstated conservation tag to the forest reserve in April 2017.
Andappa Harogeri, a former gram panchayat member in Mevundi told TOI that flights are making rounds for almost for three weeks now. “We spotted a plane on Thursday. Due to lack of proper information, various rumours are making rounds and have created anxiety. Someone says they are conducting a survey to set up more windmills, while some others say they are looking for minerals. It is also said that some officials of gas pipeline works are conducting an aerial survey. District administration should inform us as to what is going on our skies,” he demanded.
Farmers of Singatalur, Gummagol, Sheeranahalli, Doni said that it has been difficult to work in fields. “We are worried whether government will allow mining in the hills range without informing us. We are missing leadership of late Tontadarya Siddalinga Mahaswamiji, who had raised his voice against mining in Kappatagudda and stood firm in favour of environment,” they said.
Channaveerappa Chinnur, a farmer from Mevundi, said that a plane was flying at Singatalur last week and make 4 rounds at Mevundi and Venkatapur on Thursday. It was reported in some local media that DC had allowed planes to fly here till May 18 but their rounds continue. They fly at lower level than the height of windmills,” he shared.
Vyshali ML, deputy commissioner, Gadag, said that the aviation department has allowed mines and geology department to conduct an aerial survey on minerals. “It is a process between governments and the district administration has no role in it. It is true we had told earlier that it will be conducted till May 18. However, aviation department has the right to extend the survey. During their communication, they just mark a copy to us. We will start creating awareness among public through gram panchayats, revenue, and police departments,” she assured.