It seems that the Bengaluru authorities have considerably ignored illegal mining taking place within an eco-sensitive zone of ten km around the Bannerghatta National Park, Bengaluru. On December 6, when Bengaluru-based journalists tried to capture the unlawful activity happening in the pace, they were threatened and attacked by a few people. Off late three people have been taken into custody regarding the incident, reported The News Minute.

Illegal Mining near Bannerghatta National Park

On Thursday, the News 9 Journalists, Nabeela Jamaluddin and her colleagues, had gone to the Tulasipura area in Jigani taluk, which is on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The journalists had gone there to report about a crusher unit that was conducting illegal mining on the outskirts of the Bannerghatta National Park. According to the News 9 journalists, the crusher unit did not have paper works from State pollution control board, and other necessary papers to start mining in that place.

Reportedly, the crusher had received clearance from the Geology and Mines department, still they had to get a go-ahead signal from other authorities, which they did not have. According to the India Ahead,  the incident took place, when the News 9 TV journalists were leaving the mining site. Soon, the journalists were stopped by a few men, who then started to abuse the TV news crew. The men then asked the crew to even delete the footage. However, the journalist tried to reach out to the police for assistance, as it was a remote area they could not reach them early.

While talking to The News Minute, journalist Nabeela said, “Since mobile connectivity is poor there (at the mining site), we could not reach police officials quickly. It was only after many dropped calls that I could reach the police including Anekal Deputy Superintendent of Police and give our location. But due to the remoteness of the place, it was a little difficult to locate us.”

Inspection by District Commissioner

The journalist’s ordeal were not over then. According to The News Minute, even when the journalists reached out to the police, instead of questioning those men, the police started asking questions to the journalist as to why they were present at the place. The journalist further said that it was only after Deputy Sub-inspector’s (DySP) call, the cops mellowed down and listened to  Nabeela. Later on December 7 the Bengaluru District Collector, Vijay Shankar visited the illegal mining site. The officer has asked explanations from the Mines and the Geology department. 

The collector further said, “I don’t think a lot of mining activity has taken place in the recent past. However, our officers have informed me that some amount of crushing activity has taken place. I have given very clear instructions to senior geologists, tahsildars and police that this kind of illegal activity should not be allowed to take place either in the day or night.”

The journalist Nabeela filed a complaint based on which an FIR was lodged against the men. The men were booked under following sections Section 341 , 252 , 504  and 506 of the Indian Penal Code.

Also Read: Bengaluru: Citizen Activists Protest Against Illegal Sand Mining At Doddakere Lake