Ganjam District Administration Enforces Strict Measures Against Illegal Mining
The Ganjam district administration has taken decisive action to combat the rampant illegal extraction of minor minerals by imposing prohibitory orders in at least 16 locations spread across four tehsils. This move comes after joint inspections revealed widespread unauthorized mining activities, including the extraction of sand, stone, and morum (gravelly soil), which have been causing significant environmental and economic damage.
Prohibitory Orders Issued Across Multiple Tehsils
According to Avinash Kumar, the sub-collector of Berhampur, the prohibitory orders have been implemented in plots under the Chikiti, Kanishi, Kukudakhandi, and Sanakhemundi tehsils. These orders, which will remain in effect for the next two months, are part of a broader effort to clamp down on illegal mining operations that have been flouting regulations and depleting natural resources.
Kumar emphasized that the administration has directed local authorities to take stringent action against anyone found violating these orders. "We have already instructed the local administration to take stringent action if any person is found to be involved in illegal mining activities by defying prohibitory orders," he stated, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.
Impact on Government Revenue and Law and Order
Illegal mining of minor minerals not only results in substantial losses to government revenue but also poses a threat to public safety and law and order in the affected areas. Kumar highlighted that such activities could lead to conflicts and disruptions, urging locals to cooperate with the administration. "We appealed to locals from respective areas to cooperate with the administration and maintain peace in the area and to protect government properties," he added, calling for community support in safeguarding public assets.
Recent Enforcement Actions and Seizures
In a related enforcement action, police recently seized 15 trucks from the Mangalpur ghat area for illegally extracting sand from the Rushikulya river bed. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in curbing such activities and the need for sustained vigilance and enforcement.
The administration's proactive measures aim to address these issues comprehensively, ensuring that illegal mining is curtailed and that natural resources are preserved for sustainable use. The two-month prohibitory period is expected to provide a window for stricter monitoring and potential legal actions against offenders.
