When we enter Thoranagallu village, which is on the way to the prime mining area of Sandur, a couple of women approach us. They are concerned about losing their homes, as the government plans to demolish 2,000 houses to widen the road, to make way for mining lorries.
"We can't afford the rent of Rs 1,000 and we have no option but to live here," one of the women say.
Another issue that plagues locals is the perennial health problems they suffer from. A local doctor, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that most common health problems were breathing ailments, acute pharyngitis, tonsillitis, acute upper respiratory infection, acute bronchitis and asthma. On an average, he treats 20 patients with such complaints every day.
All these factors are due to atmospheric contamination, informs Justice Santosh Hegde, the Lokayukta or ombudsman of Karnataka. 'There is iron ore everywhere and most of it settles in the water which in turn makes the drinking water hazardous,' he said.
Image: The water, contaminated by iron ore particles, has turned hazardous.
Also see: In the city of statues, Mayawati's word is law | India Votes 2009
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