Chikkamagaluru: Geological Survey of India (GSI) officials have begun ground surveys for mineral wealth in Chikkamagaluru district after completing aerial surveys, triggering opposition from locals in Balehonnur and Koppa areas.Officials are conducting surveys at 41 locations across Karnataka. In Chikkamagaluru district, teams have visited three locations to collect samples, officials said.Around Koppa and Balehonnur, teams are studying mineral zones to prepare thematic maps. In the Kadur-Birur region, the study covers the granite geological spread and its contacts to assess mineral potential. In the Banavara and Byrapura regions, surveys are being conducted for china clay, white-coloured alteration zones, and iron- and chromium-related minerals.Various GSI officers are conducting the surveys under the National Geophysical Mapping programme. The programme aims to identify future auctionable mineral blocks. Once the explored blocks are auctioned, they will generate revenue for the Centre and state through royalty and also help develop mining-affected areas through district mineral foundation (DMF) funds, officials stated.Using satellite imagery and aerial surveys, officials identify areas where minerals may be present and collect soil and rock samples. They take only half a kg of sample, officials clarified.GSI officials who went to a village near Balehonnur to collect samples faced opposition from locals. Villagers objected when officials started breaking rocks on private land and sent them back.“We don’t know who they are properly. We opposed breaking rocks in private land. Let them go back,” locals said.Geologist VP Kartik of mines and geology department said, “Based on satellite images, they assume minerals may be present and collect soil and stone samples. It is a regular process; this time they have been conducting study in Koppa, Sringeri, Balehonnur region. Without knowing who they are and why they came, locals opposed,” he said.GSI had written to deputy commissioner Banwar Singh Meena seeking cooperation from the revenue, police and forest departments and asking that no local hurdles be created for the central project. Mines and geology department had also written to the DC seeking cooperation for GSI officers.
