Karnataka forest minister halts leasing of forest land for iron ore mining in Sandur

Karnataka's Minister of Environment has halted the handover of a forest area to a mining company, citing concerns over the felling of over 99,000 trees and potential environmental damage. The decision comes after Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy approved mining in the area. Social activists have raised objections, highlighting the risk of soil erosion and flooding. The mining company has faced allegations of violating forest rules in the past. The minister's directive aims to prevent further environmental degradation and has sparked a campaign against mining on social media.