Belpahar: Rampant illegal mining of soil and stone pellets from the pastures and forests are posing a threat to the environment as well as the people of Mirdhadera village of Belpahar in Jharsuguda district.
It has been alleged that one particular mining organisation has been smuggling truck loads of soil and stone pellets from the region without any permission from the revenue department. People belonging to this organisation have been using Traxcavator for excavating soil and stone pellets and are shifting the materials to a destined location by trucks in broad daylight.
This organisation has already lifted huge quantities of soil and stone pellets during the past 15 days through illegal mining. As a result of this, the entire area has turned into nearby lowlands. The Mohammedan Welfare Society has lodged a complaint with the Revenue department alleging that the boundary wall of a crematorium run by the society is on the verge of collapse due to such unlawful activities.
Interestingly, despite the complaint, the authorities are yet to probe the allegation – let alone take any action against the guilty.
Mohammed Arif, secretary, Mohammedan Welfare Society, said, “The issue of illegal mining of soil and stone pellets has also been brought to the knowledge of additional tehsildar, Lakhanpur, and the forest officer of Brajrajnagar division. Soon, we will take up the issue with the district Collector.”
Commenting on the issue, additional tehsildar, Lakhanpur, PK Patel, said, “We are in receipt of the complaints but could not initiate timely action in this regard owing to the busy schedule of the officials for the ensuing general election”.
PNN