Plan to set up a geology museum in Chamarajanagar gathers steam

MYSURU: The district administration in Chamarajanagar is stepping up efforts to bring the geological museum proposed at Mallaiahnapura village closer to fruition. Sources in the department of mines and geology told TOI that a team of geologists, accompanied by officials and other experts from Geological Survey of India (GSI) paid a visit to the site where the museum is proposed to be built from October 8 to 10.The members of the team conducted a survey to see the availability of minerals, rocks and other precious stones in Chamarajanagar.
The members surveyed the area behind a school near Mallaianahapura, Galipura, Badanaguppe and other surrounding villages. Minerals such dolomite, granite, augite, a large variety of quartz stones, igneous rocks have been found in these villages. The members also stumbled upon sedimentary rocks, smoky quartz mineral stones and fuchsite crystals in the course of the survey.
The team studied the geological composition of these villages in response to a letter by Chamarajanagar deputy commissioner MR Ravi to the GSI director.
Chamarajanagar is home to more than a dozen deposits of minerals and stones and the district administration is keen on showcasing its natural wealth to the public, not to mention educating students about the availability of these resources. There are also plans to exhibit stones and minerals purchased from other places, given as gifts and obtained through exchange. GSI officials and researchers are trying to excavate minerals and stones indigenous to the district.
Chamarajanagar has, for the longest time, had to labour under the disrepute of having been forest brigand Veerappan’s lair, not to mention rumours of its being ‘jinxed’ insofar as incumbent chief ministers visiting it losing their post. However, Ravi believes that the geological museum will usher in much-needed development in the backward district.
Deputy director of the department of mines and geology Lakshmamma said that the team that surveyed the villages would submit its report to the DC soon. “In keeping with the findings of the report, the DC will take up measures to set up the museum since the district mining fund is available for utilisation. A detailed project report on setting up the museum will be prepared once the DC gives the nod,” Lakshmamma told TOI.
(With input from : S Ramesh)