Isro may be tasked to track illegal mining at Babybetta

Mandya: The

Mandya district administration

is mulling about seeking the help of the

Indian Space Research Organization

(Isro) to

curb

the menace of

illegal quarrying

in

Babybetta reserved forest area

.

At a recent meeting, senior officials have decided to use satellite observation imagery to trace illegal mining activities in Babybetta reserved forest area as it would help authorities keep a hawk eye’s vigil on the long-term change of landscape due to illegal mining.

“We are trying hard to put an end to illegal mining in the Babybetta reserved forest area. But all our efforts appear to be ineffective given the mining owners are having deeply entrenched political patronage. Though, illegal mining activities are under control as of now due to some stringent measures, we want it to be more fortified by suing scientific means,” said a senior officer.

Deputy commissioner MV Venkatesh, who chaired the meeting, said the authorities have already sought technical assistance from Karnataka State Remote Sensing Applications Centre (KSRSAC) for mapping the entire contentious Babybetta area and provide 2D and 3D photos on a weekly basis.

“There are continuous allegations that illegal mining is still being carried out in Babybetta despite the district administration banning it. Now we are contemplating to map the entire area with satellite imagery so that we can keep a vigil on illegal mining if any in that area,” Venkatesh said.

Meanwhile, farmer leaders welcomed the decision of satellite mapping Babybetta. “Most officials who are responsible for implementing the mining ban are hand-in-glow with influential mining owners. Without employing technology, the illegal mining cannot be stopped,” said a farmer leader.

“Had these officials been sincere in their duties, there would be no question of illegal mining being carrying out. The district administration has taken the right decision to map the entire Babybetta area so that scientific evidence should be available in future to prove even slight changes in landscape near KRS reservoir. We urge the state government to take up satellite imaging as early as possible” said Shambunahalli Suresh, district president of Karnataka Rajya Raita Sangha.