Keonjhar: An unused stone quarry located close to Harichandanpur-Brahmanipal road near Bhalujodi village in Sagadapata panchayat of Harichandanpur block about 60 km from the district headquarters here has spread panic among the local tribals. About 10 years ago, a private firm excavated a 60-foot high hill and extracted stones for the construction of the Naranpur-BrahmanipalDuburi road. After completing the road work, the firm left without filling the huge pit which is in complete violation of norms. The firm should have filled the pit and planted trees on it as per rules. Visiting the place has become a risky proposition now. The pit, now filled with rain water, has acquired the proportion of a lake. This manmade lake is over 60 feet deep and the turquoise water is attracting hundreds of locals and visitors from outside.
A stretch of the pool is used by the locals for fish farming and its water is used for irrigation. However, the possibility of accidents has grown manifold due to the lack of safety measures in and around this manmade lake. The spot witnesses frequent movement of animals as it is a forested area under the Anandapur Wildlife Division. It is alleged that many wild animals have drowned while drinking water from the lake. Neither a fence nor any warning sign has been installed around it by the administration for which many residents often visit the lake to bathe in it. The local children also dive into the lake for swimming. The tribals here are particularly worried because they are left to fend for themselves in a dangerous situation. If the administration takes legal action against the concerned firm and decides to fill the pit, residents would be benefited. However, nothing is done to alleviate the fear among them. Locals said a big hill with lush green cover was present in the area. The livestock of the local villagers used to graze on the hill. However, the mining firm took the hill on lease and excavated it for stone mining.
Villagers are worried because many of their livestock have fallen into the pit and died. Similarly, wild animals also move around in this area and there is every possibility of those falling into the pit leading to death, a local resident Madhab Murmu said.
Locals alleged many of the villagers had their farmlands near the hill and the mining firm usurped their farmlands during mining. While the administration is yet to pay them any compensation, the firm has warned of severe consequences if they ever dare to protest or demand for damages, another villager Malay Murmu alleged. Several forests and hills have been destroyed due to stone mining, the villagers alleged. They allowed stone mining on the hill with the hope of getting jobs. However, they have been left disappointed as their farmlands have been destroyed. The company raked in profits from mining but has pushed their life into danger, another villager Rabi Hembram said. When contacted, Anandapur DFO Abhay Kumar Dalei said that he would take necessary steps after reviewing the situation and getting information from the local forest staff.