Another Wayanad in the making? Karnataka village's residents fear environmental fallout

Livelihoods and biodiversity threatened as extraction in Kallamundkuru expands sans clear sustainability measures

- Sowmya Raju I NT

The peaceful rural landscape of Kallamundkuru village in Moodabidri taluk, located in Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka, became a hive of activity after large-scale mining of laterite soil commenced.

The extraction process, which has reached a feverish pitch, has drawn the attention of environmental activists and local residents due to its potential impact on the region's ecology and livelihoods. Laterite soil, known for its rich mineral content and extensive use in construction and other industries, became highly sought after, driving a rapid surge in mining operations across the area. However, this sudden boom has raised several questions about sustainability, regulatory oversight and the long-term effects on local communities and natural resources.

According to officials from the mines and geology department, the soil is rich in bauxite and other minerals and the mined material transported to Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Ecological impact