Ballari: Samaja Parivartana Samudaya (SPS) has urged the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to take action against National Mineral Development Corporation’s (NMDC) Kumaraswamy Iron Ore Mine over alleged violations of environmental clearance conditions.
Reminder Letter Sent to Ministry
In a reminder letter dated May 27, 2026, SPS sought details on the action taken on its representation submitted to the ministry on January 19, stating that more than three months had passed without a response.
Allegations of Illegal Ore Transport
SPS alleged that iron ore from the mine was being transported through village roads in Ranajitpura, Narasingapura, Subbarayanahalli and other villages in Sandur taluk. It referred to a site inspection conducted by a scientist from the MoEFCC regional office in Bengaluru on January 27.
According to SPS, the inspection report supported its claim that NMDC’s conveyor belt had remained non-functional for several years, forcing ore transport through villages.
Violations of Environmental Clearance Conditions
The organisation alleged this violated conditions of environmental clearances issued in 2021 and 2023 and contributed to dust pollution and health concerns among residents. SPS also claimed NMDC secured environmental clearance in 2021 stating it had a dedicated conveyor belt, but the system stopped functioning soon after and remained defunct for years.
Demands for Action
The organisation has sought action against NMDC, including stopping ore transport through village roads, imposing penalties, suspending or withdrawing environmental clearance, reviewing its MPAP limit of 8.6 MTPA and ensuring measures to protect public health and road safety in mining-affected areas.
The representation was signed by SPS founder SR Hiremath and Jan Sangram Parishath office-bearers TM Shivakumar and Srishail Aldalli, among others.
