western ghats, as we all, know is the majestic and the crucial mountain forest ranges of india.

among the various threats (usually called 'development') is small and medium scale illegal mining.

these mining areas are within forests are close to forests and ranges from 1 acre to 100 acre. this is illegal since forest areas cannot be mined.

in belgaum district of karnataka, illegal mining has been going on unabated. as per hindu report,
Addressing presspersons here on Friday president of the committee S.R. Hiremath, A.S. Salanki of JVA and former Lieutenant Colonel Ravindra Saini alleged that illegal mining and other criminal activities were going on unabated in the Mahadayi and Malaprabha river valleys in Khanapur taluk of Belgaum district. Mr. Hiremath alleged that illegal mining was slowly being extended into the forest area.


and whichever concerned individuals or ngo, tries to stop the illegal mining are threatened with dire consequences. again from the report,
Recently a team of the committee, which had gone to Nerse village in Khanapur taluk to get information on illegal mining was threatened and detained for few hours. Apart from taking action against criminal elements, what is required was a comprehensive programme to prevent Western Ghats falling into the hands of persons who don't realise the importance of it.

note that the illegally mined sand and the forests trees are exported to western countries (via usually china) to be made into nice furniture and kitchen stones.in name of growth, exports and development, i guess, we are leaving 'no stones unturned'

below are pictures of western ghats from ameen. all copyright belong to ameen.
(one of western ghats mountain ranges. nearly 80% of south india's river comes from the ghats)
(bhadra river orginates from ghats and was slammed by pollution from kudremukh mining)