Team to tour mining areas in Chitradurga

CHITRADURGA: Team from Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun, will tour various mining areas in Chitradurga from Friday to study prevailing environmental situation and the effects of mining.The 15-member team led by director general of ICFRE Dr V K Bahuguna will conduct a macro-level assessment of environment degradation at various mining areas of the district.  Speaking to Express on Thursday, deputy commissioner Vipul Bansal said, “The team will compare the conditions in the forest at present with its past, assess the loss of wildlife, situation of rainfall, temperature and other things.” Further he said, “The team will also visit various mines located in the district and examines the extent of damage in forest areas. They will also meet representatives of the public and other stake holders in the district.” The EIA team which arrived to the state on Thursday, stayed at Bangalore and will arrive in the district on Friday. ICFRE team will hold a meeting with district level officials of Revenue, Forest, Mines and Geology and Pollution Control Board.The team will visit mines located at Lakkihally and DB Kere sector of Hosadurga taluk in the district and complete their visit.  On October 9, the team moves to Tumkur district.