Bengaluru: Karnataka State Board for Wildlife has rejected four proposed stone quarries that threatened to bring mining closer to Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary, offering a reprieve to the biodiversity-rich landscape in Gadag district.The decision comes amid repeated proposals for quarrying, stone-crushing and mining operations near the ecologically sensitive sanctuary, highlighting continuing pressure on one of northern Karnataka’s important ecological habitats.The proposals rejected by the standing committee of the board last week involved quarrying across nearly 3.2 hectares in Magadi and Parasapura villages of Gadag. The proposed sites, located 422-997 metres from the sanctuary boundary, fall within the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) notified by the Union environment ministry on June 4, 2025.The principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden had not recommended the proposals after considering reports from the deputy conservator of forests, Gadag division.Forest minister Ramalinga Reddy told TOI that the ESZ notification prohibits all new and existing mining activities, including the extraction of minor and major minerals, stone quarrying and crushing units, within the notified zone, except for activities that meet bona fide domestic needs of local residents.The latest proposals included two quarrying applications within the revenue limits of Magadi village, with proposed project areas of 0.5 hectares and 0.8 hectares, located 601 metres and 637 metres from the sanctuary boundary, respectively. The other two proposals involved areas of 0.4 hectares and 1.5 hectares within the revenue limits of Parasapura village, located 422 metres and 997 metres from the sanctuary boundary, respectively.According to the forest department, all the proposed sites are explicitly included in the sanctuary’s ESZ notification. The deputy commissioner and chairperson of the District Stone Crushers Licensing and Regulation Authority, Gadag, had also cancelled quarrying and crushing licences for activities falling within 1km of the sanctuary boundary.The department cited Supreme Court directions, reiterating that restrictions on mining activities within 1km of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries would continue to operate.
