Karnataka bans quarrying in a 2-km radius of the historic Karinjeshwara Temple in Bantwal taluk, citing environmental and spiritual concerns under 1994 mineral rules.
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Breaking News: Karnataka Bans Quarrying Around Sacred Karinjeshwara Temple to Protect Heritage and Ecology
In a landmark move aimed at preserving both spiritual sanctity and environmental balance, the Karnataka state government has officially banned all quarrying activities within a 2-kilometer radius of the revered Karinjeshwara Temple in Kavalamudoor village, Bantwal taluk.
The decision, formalized through a notification issued by the Under Secretary of the Department of Commerce and Industries (Mines), invokes provisions under the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1994, and is being hailed as a victory by conservationists and local devotees who have long raised concerns over unchecked mining operations.
Karnataka Bans Quarrying Around Karinjeshwara Temple, Declares 2-KM Protected Zone
Sacred Hill, Shaken by Blasts
Located atop a forested hillock, the Karinjeshwara Temple is one of the most ancient Shiva temples in Dakshina Kannada, drawing pilgrims from across coastal Karnataka. The temple complex, known for its unique stone-carved steps, Hanuman shrine, and Nandi Pavilion, had been facing threats from growing stone quarry and crusher unit activities in the surrounding hills.
For years, temple authorities, spiritual leaders, and environmentalists had warned that explosions from nearby quarries were endangering not only the structural integrity of the shrine but also the biodiversity of the surrounding Western Ghats foothills.
The ban puts an end to all existing and future quarrying within the specified radius, effectively designating the area as a protected spiritual and eco-sensitive zone.
📜 The Notification: What It States
The official order, issued late Friday evening, reads:
“In accordance with Rule 8-A of the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1994, all quarrying, blasting, or mining operations within a radius of two kilometers from the outer periphery of Karinjeshwara Temple, Kavalamudoor Village, are hereby prohibited until further notice.”
Authorities clarified that no renewal or fresh licenses will be granted for quarrying in the restricted zone. Ongoing operations have been ordered to cease within 7 days of notice receipt.
🌱 A Win for the Environment and Devotion
Local residents say the ban is a long-awaited acknowledgment of their fight. “We have heard rocks cracking during poojas. Trees were falling silent. This temple is part of our soul. This is not just land — it’s our link to the divine,” said Gopalakrishna Bhat, a long-time priest at Karinjeshwara.
Environmentalists have also welcomed the move. The temple zone is home to several rare medicinal plants, peacocks, monkeys, and endemic bird species, many of which were reported to have fled due to noise and dust from the quarries.
“This order sets a precedent for heritage-sensitive eco-zones in Karnataka,” said Dr. Savitha Nayak, an ecologist and member of the Western Ghats Protection Forum. “The hills of Karinjeshwara are a microclimate of worship and wildlife — both need undisturbed space to thrive.”
🧱 The Quarry Lobby Reacts
However, not everyone is pleased. Quarry operators in nearby Kalladka and Bolangady expressed concerns that hundreds of jobs may be at risk, and accused the government of yielding to populist pressure.
“We understand the need to protect temples. But this sudden ban without rehabilitation support or alternate zone allotments is unjust,” said Ashraf Doddamane, owner of a local stone crushing unit.
The Karnataka Stone Quarry Operators' Association is reportedly preparing a petition to challenge the move in the High Court, seeking either compensation or zone reallocation.
Looking Ahead: Compliance and Enforcement
District officials have been tasked with marking the 2-km buffer zone and ensuring immediate cessation of any quarry operations. Surveillance drones, geo-fencing tools, and regular forest department patrols are expected to monitor the area.
Additionally, a “Temple Heritage Zone” notification is under review by the state’s Department of Religious Endowments, which could permanently classify Karinjeshwara as a protected cultural landmark, similar to Shravanabelagola and Kukke Subrahmanya.
Conclusion: Sacred First, Stones Later
The ban may ignite legal and economic debates, but the message is clear — Karnataka is prioritizing sanctity over stone. For now, devotees of Lord Shiva at Karinjeshwara can breathe a little easier, as the hills around them fall silent once again — not with explosions, but with prayer and birdsong.
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