Jajpur: Loot of laterite stones sees no let-up in the west Barchana area of Jajpur district despite the state government taking a host of measures to check the smuggling of minor minerals. Laterite stones are rampantly plundered in the west Barchana area of the district allegedly due to connivance between some unscrupulous officials and political leaders. The unabated loot in the Darpangad revenue circle is allegedly due to the go-slow approach of the tehsildar and police personnel of Barchana and Bairi. This has emboldened the illegal miners as they continue to extract and smuggle the laterite stones with impunity. Recently the quarries were filled with water following rainfall.
However, illegal miners started extracting stones after draining water from the quarries with motor pumps. Locals alleged that the wrongdoing could never have taken place without the tacit support of the administrative officials who are hand in glove with the illegal miners. Several agitations, demonstrations, sit-ins and hunger strikes have been staged in the past in protest against the mineral loot. The affected villagers have even filed cases in the Orissa High Court praying for the prevention of the loot which not only affects the environment but also the life and livelihood of villagers. The state government has even established an office of the Deputy Director, Minor Minerals to check the illegal mining and smuggling.
However, there seems to be no let-up in the loot as fraudsters continue to make hay putting the environment and people at stake. This has also left the state government bleeding off precious revenue. With the change of government in the state, some new faces were learnt to prepare for the loot with renewed vigour and enthusiasm. There are over 40 illegal stone quarries at Bairi, Shalapada, Paria, Chhamia and Kaimatia panchayats in Jajpur district. The stone miners are using heavy equipment like earthmovers to extract laterite stones and smuggle those outside for a premium. Demanding a crackdown on such illegal mining and stringent action against the traders, the locals have staged several agitations but to no avail. Initially, the local administration allegedly tried to ignore such agitations but later tried to suppress those by making false promises.
The administration had promised to clamp prohibitory orders under Section-144 of CrPC on the illegal mining undertaken on government land and take stringent action against the wrongdoers. However, the administration is yet to live up to its promise. It is alleged that the administration slowed down on taking action due to the intervention of some influential persons. The administration continues to make tall claims but has failed to check the loot of minor minerals in the district. Despite a change in political representation in the area after the elections, people involved in the loot of minor minerals have remained unchanged. It is alleged that some new players have entered into the illegal business by using their political influence and clout.
Taking advantage of the silence of the administration, the illegal miners continue to extract laterite stones from the quarries in Siha, Patharkata, Samian, Chheliapada, Charigochhia , Baunsamuli, Gabhashohala, Kolasahi, Bhusandpur, Kochilagadia and Kanchan Nagar, and smuggle those outside in trucks on a daily basis.