Aerial survey begins in Chikkaballapur district to explore possible gold deposits

Chikkaballapur: An extensive aerial survey is currently underway in the hill ranges of Gudibande and Bagepalli taluks of Chikkaballapur district to explore the possibility of gold and other mineral deposits.

The survey, being conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) under the Union Ministry of Mines and Earth Sciences, has been in progress for the last three days. Officials and technical staff from GSI are carrying out the survey using a specially equipped helicopter.

The operations are being coordinated from Beechaganahalli village in Gudibande taluk, which has been made the central base for the mission. The survey team is using advanced radar scanners and scientific instruments to study the underground mineral composition of the region.

According to sources, the survey has been initiated following the recent discovery of gold deposits near Kadiri in Anantapur district of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, which is located around 60 kilometres from Bagepalli.

Since the geographical formations in both regions are similar, experts believe there is a strong possibility of finding mineral reserves in parts of Chikkaballapur district as well.

The GSI team had earlier completed similar surveys in Anantapur district before moving into Karnataka. The current aerial exploration in Chikkaballapur is scheduled to continue till May 31. As part of the exercise, a temporary helipad has been constructed inside the premises of Adarsha School near Tirumani village in Gudibande taluk.

Officials said that the helicopter conducts aerial mapping for nearly six hours every day. The survey team consists of 15 members, including two pilots and several technical experts who are handling sophisticated scanning equipment.

Chikkaballapur deputy commissioner G. Prabhu confirmed the development and said that this survey is a continuation of earlier studies conducted in the region. “During 2019–20, the Geological Survey of India had carried out preliminary studies here to identify deposits of gold, aluminium, copper and other minerals. The present survey is a more detailed and scientific follow-up of that exercise,” he explained.

The district administration has clarified that the survey will not be limited to just Gudibande and Bagepalli taluks. Similar exploration activities are expected to be conducted in all taluks of the district in the coming months.

The DC also appealed to the public not to panic over the ongoing survey activities. “This is purely a scientific assessment to identify mineral resources. Only after detailed analysis will accurate information be available,” he said.

There are also reports that mineral reserves may exist in parts of Chintamani taluk. District administration sources indicated that a separate aerial survey may be planned for that region as well. “For now, permission has been granted only for the Gudibande area. In the future, approval may be sought to extend the survey to Chintamani and surrounding regions,” officials added.

The outcome of the survey is eagerly awaited, as any confirmed discovery of gold or other valuable minerals could significantly boost the economic prospects of the district and the state.

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