The High Court of Karnataka has taken a significant step by imposing a ban on mining and blasting activities within a 20-km radius of the iconic Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam in Srirangapatna, Mandya. The decision comes in response to concerns over the potential impact of mining blasts on the safety of the KRS dam.
The ban, issued on Monday, will remain in force until the completion of a dam safety survey conducted by the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad. The court’s decision is a crucial move to address the apprehensions raised by various stakeholders regarding the structural integrity of the KRS dam.
The court’s intervention stems from a petition filed by CG Kumar, challenging the deputy commissioner’s order linking the conversion of land for stone quarrying to a trial blast conducted by the Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Limited. Recognizing the gravity of the issue and the potential damage posed to the KRS dam by mining activities in its vicinity, the high court converted the petition into a public interest litigation (PIL).
During the hearings, the court highlighted the lack of attention to the safety of the KRS dam despite the ongoing water disputes among states over the Cauvery river. The court expressed concerns about the potential consequences for the entire state in the event of any untoward incident affecting the dam.
The order issued by the division bench of Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit emphasizes the importance of conducting a comprehensive dam safety survey. However, the court has not specified a deadline for the survey to be completed under the Dam Safety Act, 2022.
In an earlier hearing, the court acknowledged the KRS dam’s significance as a water source for the irrigation of about 1,25,000 acres of land in the arid tracks of Mandya district. The court raised questions about the potential impact of blast activities associated with quarrying on the dam’s safety. It underscored the need for a thorough examination, calling attention to the serious questions related to the dam’s safety in light of the provisions of the 2022 Dam Safety Act.
The court cautioned against any lapses, emphasizing that a small oversight could result in a colossal hazard. It urged a meticulous examination of the potential impacts of quarrying activities on the KRS dam. The court’s order reflects the understanding of the critical role played by the dam, highlighting its engineering marvel built between 1911 and 1932 under the leadership of Sir M Visvesvaraya.
The KRS dam stands as a testament to the vision of Maharaja Sri Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar and has significantly transformed the irrigation map of the state. The court’s decision to impose a ban on mining and blasting activities near the dam underscores the commitment to safeguarding this historical and vital structure.
As the ban comes into effect, stakeholders and authorities will need to collaborate to ensure the successful conduct of the dam safety survey. The court’s proactive approach in addressing concerns related to the KRS dam sets a precedent for prioritizing the safety of critical infrastructure amid evolving environmental and regulatory challenges. The ban serves as a temporary measure to mitigate potential risks and underscores the importance of comprehensive dam safety assessments for the long-term well-being of such crucial structures.
