Deccan Herald recently reported that River Bhadra has been showing signs of revival for the past three years, following the closure of mining operations by the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited in 2008, following a Supreme Court order.

Wildlife experts, who spoke to a few farmers downstream, found that the changes were already visible.

Mr Niren Jain coordinator of Kudremukh Wildlife Foundation said that “There used to be silt deposit in the river during mining operation. But within a couple of years since the mining came to halt, the natural recovery process has set in.”

He said there have also been indications of revival of vegetation, which was once endangered by moss accumulation.

Mr Praveen Bhargav managing trustee of Wildlife First said tonnes of sediment used to enter the river during mining, which now had come down drastically. He added that “The change needs to be analyzed with fresh data.”

With all the signs of natural habitat coming to life and the Supreme Court dismissing a curative petition filed by KIOCL employees, wildlife enthusiasts are now of the opinion that time has come for the company for ‘actual wind up and move out of the National Park, tipped to be a tiger reserve now.

The apex court order has even thwarted the KIOCL proposal of eco-tourism. The court has ignored the plea. The company, according to wildlife enthusiasts, had stated that the money generated from eco-tourism would help maintain the National Park.

Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh has also written to the chief minister in February 2011 to ensure that the mining unit is moved out. He has also suggested that the proposal for tiger reserve be forwarded.

(Sourced from www.deccanherald.com)