Mandya, 2 July

The district administration is gearing up for another trial explosion to ascertain whether mining activity impacts the stability of Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam.

This has sparked Opposition from the Raitha Sangh (farmers’ body) workers, who are preparing to launch another "go-back" protest against the trial blast. The blasts will be carried out by a team of scientists and experts amid tight police security. Irrigation department officials are digging craters even before the arrival of the scientists.

However, efforts are being made to keep the process confidential, including the states from which the scientists will arrive and their place of stay.

Raitha Sangh workers have warned of protests if the test takes place.

Farmers from Mysuru and Mandya are expected to intensify their movement. Talks between farmer leaders and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have not yielded positive results, as Shivakumar seems to support the trial blast.

Former Mandya MP Sumalath Ambareesh had previously called for a ban on illegal mining around Baby Betta. She had alleged that an illegal mining lobby was behind the blasts near the KRS reservoir. -Salar News