Activists seek halt to NMDC mine, citing over 28 EC violations

Dharwad: Samaj Parivarthan Samudaya (SPS), along with Janandolana Maha Maitri (JMM) and other organisations, has urged the Centre to cancel the environmental clearance (EC) granted to NMDC’s Kumaraswamy Iron Ore Mine (KIOM), citing serious violations flagged by the Union environment ministry.

Addressing reporters, SPS founder SR Hiremath said the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had issued a show-cause notice under the Environment Protection Act, listing 28 alleged violations of EC conditions. He said this itself warranted revocation of the clearance after due process. Calling the move significant, Hiremath said it may be the first such action against NMDC and urged the Centre not to allow mining to continue amid violations. The groups also demanded a halt to ore transport through villages in Ballari, alleging illegality, and sought a dedicated bypass road at NMDC’s cost. They further called for capping overall mining output, using collected penalties for restoration, and acting against polluting units in Chitradurga.