Jajpur: In order to stop illegal mining of minerals as well as taking a strong stance against the rampant smuggling activities, the Odisha government ordered Thursday the closure of 275 illegal stone crushing units in Jajpur district. The action was taken as the state exchequer was suffering losses to the tune of crores due to illegal mining and smuggling.
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Jajpur Collector Chakravarti Singh Rathore has constituted a team of officials comprising personnel of the district police, tehsil, forest and other departments. They will be responsible for the shutting down of the crushing units that have been shortlisted, within the next 15 days. The team will aggressively act to stop illegal excavation and transportation of Blackstone in the district.
The Collector has also asked Jajpur SP Charan Singh Meena to provide adequate police force for successful execution of the Odisha government’s decision. The SP has been directed to keep a strict vigil on mushrooming of new illegal stone crushers, sources said.
PNN