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| Photo credit: Deccan Herald |
This was again a tough letter. Finally, picked this considering how quarrying has grown into a significant industry here, thanks to construction activities. It's mostly stone quarrying, and it comes with considerable environmental costs.
Stone quarrying involves extracting rocks like granite and laterite, essential for construction. Districts such as Ramanagara, Chikkaballapur, and areas surrounding the Bannerghatta National Park in Bengaluru have seen a surge in quarrying activities.
DEFORESTATION
Studies have shown a significant reduction in vegetation cover in BNP's buffer zones. Between 1973 and 2015, vegetation cover decreased from 85.78% to 66.37%, primarily due to quarrying and urbanization. This loss threatens the habitat of various species, including elephants and leopards.
WATER DEPLETION
Quarrying disrupts natural water channels and reduces the water retention capacity of the region. The Cauvery basin, vital for Karnataka's water supply, has been adversely affected by these activities.
POLLUTION
The process of drilling, blasting, and transporting stones releases significant amounts of dust and noise. In Ramanagara district, studies have shown that these activities degrade air quality and pose health risks to nearby communities.
SOCIAL AND HEALTH IMPLICATIONS
Residents near BNP have reported respiratory issues due to dust exposure. Noise pollution from blasting operations disrupts daily life and can lead to hearing problems. Moreover, the influx of quarrying operations often leads to displacement and loss of livelihoods for indigenous populations.
REGULATORY MEASURES
While the Karnataka government has established guidelines for quarrying activities, enforcement remains inconsistent. The State Environment Impact Assessment Authority oversees environmental clearances, but unauthorized operations persist, especially in ecologically sensitive zones.
WAY FORWARD
Governments have to ensure that quarrying operations comply with environmental regulations, especially near protected areas.
It would be worthwhile to involve local communities in decision-making processes related to land use and quarrying activities.
The construction industry should explore the use of alternative construction materials and recycled aggregates to reduce dependence on natural stone. Alternatives are expensive but if it becomes more popular the costs are bound to come down.
While quarrying plays a role in Karnataka's development, it's imperative to balance economic growth with environmental conservation.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteMankind seems determined to scar this planet on a continued and regular basis. The simple fact is that no matter what we do, we have 'effects'...YAM xx
Sometimes we need to remember that for the most part we are doing the best we know how to do and that there was a time we didn't realise the damage we were doing to the environment and that now we do know most are trying to do better. I get pissed off by those who carry on about change but have no idea what to do to instead.
ReplyDeleteAnd it makes such an ugly scar on the land, too. I mean, I get it. A lot of that stone (and other materials) are needed to make the things we use. You'd think they wouldn't have to tear the ground up like this to do it.
ReplyDelete