Residents anxious after cobalt, nickel deposits found in Somwarpet village post 2018 landslide

MADIKERI: Kannallikatte village, under Bettadahalli Gram Panchayat in Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district, is now drawing statewide attention. After the 2018 landslide, studies by scientists indicated that cobalt and nickel mineral deposits have been found in this area, causing panic among villagers.

For the past two years, a team of scientists has been continuously collecting soil samples. Villagers are living in fear that the government or companies may take over their agricultural land. In this small village nestled amidst lush greenery, there is now intense discussion about mineral wealth.

In 2018, a massive landslide occurred in this area due to heavy rains. It is said that when a team of scientists came to study the cause of the landslide, they found the possibility of cobalt and nickel deposits in the soil here. For the past two years, the team of scientists has been visiting various parts of the village and collecting soil samples. Soil and rock samples from several places have already been taken for testing.

Amid this, villagers say that even on Google Maps this area has been marked as a region with cobalt and nickel deposits. This is now the reason for anxiety among villagers. They are expressing suspicion that there may be an attempt to seize their agricultural land in the name of mineral mining.

“We have been living by depending on agriculture for generations. We will not give up our land under any circumstances,” villagers have made it clear. Cobalt and nickel are very valuable minerals in today’s world and are used in many fields including electric vehicle batteries, mobiles, and electronic devices. Because of this, the discovery of these minerals has gained importance.

However, as of now, there has been no official announcement or project related to mineral mining in this area. Villagers say that only the scientists’ study is currently under way. The continued study by scientists in Kannallikatte village has caused several doubts among residents.

On one side, there is the possibility of valuable mineral deposits, and on the other side, farmers are living worried about retaining their agricultural land. The anxiety of villagers will be resolved only if the government and the concerned departments give clarity on this matter.