This Blog will explain How a shinning Kolar Gold Filed Lost it’s glitter now. We will completely understand all about Kolar Gold Fields. Points of discussion will be History of KGF, How it became Mini England?, How it converted in Hell?, And some interesting facts of KGF.

Kolar Gold Fields a place well known for KGF. A historic place currently in limelight because of KGF- Chapter 1 movie(2018). But this article is not for the movie or fictional story behind it. We will understand some main topics from the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF). KGF is not like the way it is shown in the movie. The story of KGF is interesting. It was heaven 100 years before and now it converted to Hell. Let’s see how it changed from heaven to hell.

History of KFG

KGF is a city in Karnataka, It’s 100km Far from Bangalore. It came into the limelight in 1875 when a Retired British soldier starts mining in Kolar. The name of that soldier was Michael Fitzgerald Lavelle. But Local people already reported that there is Gold in the area in 1804. But mining operations started in 1875 due to a lack of technology in 1804. The soldier saw that report and started Gold Mining.

Soldiers didn’t have enough Funds so Kolar Gold Mines was Acquired by a British company named John Taylor and Sons. This company used advanced technology for mining. Some facts show that Mining machines installed in 1890 were functional till 1990. Kolar Gold Field was the first area that was electrified in India. Electrification of the Kolar Gold Mining Region was done around 1902. It was around 140Km cable line work. Supply of the electricity was uninterrupted. So this brings jobs for the laborers and colonies were formed and the process of mini England started.

Mini England

As thousands of laborers working in Kolar, the Administration was under Britishers. They started to develop the area according to their comfort. As Electricity was uninterrupted, Area started to develop. British people built clubhouses, Roads, Well designed residences, Hospitals, golf course-like amenities there.

Britishers planned the city so well that it looked like England. It was greenfield city. When other people came to visit Kolar they feel like England. So Kolar City was used to called MINI-ENGLAND.

But the sad part is that workers who were Indian didn’t allow to use these amenities. They used to live in Labor colonies. Life wasn’t that good for the laborers. The working condition wasn’t good as well. Temperature and humidity in the Mining area are extreme for living.

Mining was done by the Britishers till 1956. After 1956 Mysore Government took the take over of Kolar gold Fields. In 1972 Indian government take over the KGF. Bharat Gold Mines Limited was PSU formed for Gold Mining.

At the Early stage of gold exploration, Mines were only 1km in depth. But at the end of 1980, Mines depth went up to 3km. It was the second deepest Mine in the world. At this depth, the temperature was about 48-50 degrees Celcius and humidity was up to 95%.

In 1881-1890 yield of the gold was around 47g per ton. But in 1990 it was around 3g per ton. It caused a huge rise in production costs. So ultimately mine was closed on 28 Feb 2001 due to inefficiency. And this how the process of conversion of mini England to Hell started.

Mini England To Hell

KGF mining was closed in 2001. The closure was very sudden and nothing was planned for people living there. Around 2.5 lakh people still live there. All people working people in KGF lost there jobs in a day. The power cut was there when mines were operational but after closure, it was a common problem. water supply was not normal as well.

Daily wages of the laborers were too low when mining was operational so they are unable to save enough money. when Mining was closed then they are thrown into a huge debt. No money to live and no money to eat. So young peoples went to Bangalore which is not so far from Kolar. They went there for a job and better life. Most people live in a hut sized less than 100sqft. There are over 400 colonies like this. Health aids are also not good. The area is converted into slums. No good toilet facilities, Unstable financial condition, No water, No electricity. This is how once a Gold Shinning Kolar is now hell for the people living there. Mining waste is also a big problem. You can see about 40m Height hills of mining waste in the Kolar area.

Future plan or expectation

People living there suffer from Health and economic issue. Young people have to Travel daily 100km for the job. They are requesting the government to do something in the area so their basic need to be fulfilled.

Karnataka Government is planning to develop an industrial park in the region. Some people suggest to built solar plant at kolar. But no official groundwork is started. let’s hope best for the people living in the Kolar. They deserve better life as they have given so much for the country, and they are getting nothing in return.

Interesting Facts

• Mining work started in 1880.
• Gold mining permanently closed in 2001 due to inefficiency
• The first 24-hour Electricity was given to Kolar Gold Field in 1902.
• Mines depth is around 3km deep.
• It was called mini England in the British era.
• 1956- Mines took over by Mysore Government
• 1972- The government take over the field and formed BGML
• Around 400 labor colonies were there at the peak of work.
• Kolar goldfield is now called a pond of dust.
• There is No government facility is available there.