Khaira: It is alleged that, illegal transportation of murram and other minerals from government land near Sarisua hill under Khaira revenue circle in Balasore district is going on a rampant scale amid lockdown restrictions, leaving the district administration in a limbo.
Also read: Admin imposes 144 on 10 mines at Sarisua hill
Every day, truckloads of murram are being lifted from 97 mines in this region. On the other hand, transporters are not paying any cess to the state government resulting in crores of losses to the government revenue. No action is being taken against looters although the loot takes place in broad daylight, local residents alleged.
Residents belonging to the foothill areas of Sarisua expressed their deep concern over the disastrous impact of the ongoing illegal quarrying on environment and economy. They warned that, the hill which is an integral part of local ecology faces risk of being denuded altogether in the future.
Worthy to note, Sarisua hill sprawling over 62 sq km was declared an elephant corridor few years back. Following this declaration, Khaira tehsil administration had also closed 109 stone-quarries here.
Incidentally, a Special Task Force (STF) of the crime branch led by Additional SP Tejtaz Patel had conducted surprise raids February 23, this year. Acting on a tip-off, the team had then targeted mine No.-77 in this region. As the mine owner managed to flee from the spot, five of his staffers were arrested by STF and case (No.-41/20) was filed.
After a hiatus, local stone mafias resumed illegal mining activities in the area by carrying out stone extraction. Local environmental activists had earlier taken up the matter with then District Collector and local Sub-Collector as well, warning both of the growing menace.
“Mining mafias get prior information on administrative raids. Khaira tehsil officials show an indifferent attitude to the grave problem concerning Sarisua hill”, local resident Bijay Kumar Barik fumed.
Stone mafias have been carrying out extraction at rapid pace and transporting stones through Kupari-Soro and Kupari-Ranital roads to neighbouring West Bengal. Allegedly, transportation of stones through heavy vehicles also affects the district roads.
On being contacted, Khaira tehsildar Pradeep Kumar Sahoo said, “Surprise raids on illegal mining sites are being conducted regularly. However, mining mafias are succeeding to escape in a few cases”.
PNN