People are dreading the lifting of the ban later this month on trucks carrying iron ore in the Ankola Gooty section of National Highway 6, fearing that the ore dust could once again affect their health and give rise to respiratory diseases among the villagers. While environmentalists fear the lorries could hurt wild animals and also the ecology of the Western Ghats, farmers are worried that the ore dust court harm their crops.

Mr Vishnu Harikanth general secretary of Binaga Citizens Forum said that “We will not allow the entry of ore-laden lorries into the port area unless steps are taken to stop the dust from rising as our children fall sick. Also people find it hard to reach Karwar as the roads are in very bad condition due to the overloaded lorries. They should not be allowed within Karwar city municipality limits.”

Mr NS Channappa Gowda deputy commissioner assures that discussions will be held with the mines and geology department, highway authorities and lorry owners before lifting the ban on trucks carrying iron ore in the section.

Although ore transportation fetched the Belekeri Port revenue of around INR 15 crore and created thousands of jobs for the locals, it also led to rise of respiratory diseases among the villagers, causing much concern among them.

Mr SD Auradi warns district health officer that “Particles of dust that penetrate deep into the lungs can cause allergies, eye and respiratory problems.”

Around 2000 lorries may enter Karwar city every day once the ore transportation resumes. The National Highway usually sees a number of accidents due to the increased traffic, which also damages the road passing through Hubli, Kalghatagi and Ankola towns. The trucks were banned in this section since June to protect the roads during the monsoon.

(Sourced from deccanchronicle.com)