Nearly five years after rejecting a mining proposal in the ecologically sensitive Swamimalai forests near the historic Kumaraswamy-Parvati temple in Ballari’s Sandur region, the Karnataka government has revived the case, instructing officials to begin procedures for fresh forest clearance.

The National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) had originally sought 392.92 acres of forest land, home to over 26,000 trees and species such as leopards, sloth bears, four-horned antelopes, jackals, Indian wolves, foxes, and wild boars. The site lies within 1 km of the ancient temple complex.

In 2019, based on reports from senior forest officials, then Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Punati Sridhar had flagged the proposal, advising against even seeking stage-1 (in-principle) clearance from the central government. However, NMDC revised its application in 2024, reducing the land request to 250.86 acres, while reserving rights over the remaining area.

The company has assured that tree felling will occur in phases, only after obtaining necessary permissions and aligned with mining requirements. In line with government directions, the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Ballari, has asked NMDC to update its proposal and include details for compensatory afforestation.

The move has drawn criticism from environmentalists. In a similar instance, the government also overruled objections to divert 992 acres of forest for mining by Kudremukh Iron Ore Mining Company Ltd, a case that is now under suo motu review by the National Green Tribunal.

Sreeshaila Aladahalli, a Sandur-based activist, called the NMDC development “yet another betrayal.” He highlighted that while global policies focus on intergenerational justice, Karnataka appears intent on revisiting projects previously abandoned due to their potential ecological impact. The Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation (KMERC) had recommended reducing annual mineral production from 50 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes, yet mining clearances continue to advance.

When approached for comment, Ballari DCF Basavaraj K N confirmed that no final decision had been made. “We are following the government’s directive to examine the revised proposal. The matter is still under process,” he said.