Assembly Committee Exposes Rampant Illegal Mining and Land Encroachment in Odisha
An assembly committee in Odisha has uncovered a severe crisis of illegal mining, widespread encroachment of government and forest land, large-scale irregularities in mineral quality certification, and recurring instances of soil theft across the state. These activities have resulted in significant revenue loss and extensive environmental damage, according to the panel's findings.
Key Findings and District-Specific Issues
The House panel, led by BJP MLA Sudhir Ranjan Pattjoshi, flagged excess mineral extraction from forest areas in Balangir and Subarnapur districts. It noted that illegal mining and encroachment are prevalent in several districts, including Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, and Sambalpur, leading to both financial and ecological harm.
The committee emphasized that these practices are not isolated incidents but systematic problems affecting multiple regions. It called for urgent action to address these violations and mitigate their impacts on the state's resources and communities.
Comprehensive Recommendations for Action
In response to these findings, the committee has recommended a comprehensive action plan to tighten monitoring mechanisms and take stringent action against offenders. Key recommendations include:
- Preparing detailed data on mineral extraction and dispatch to enhance transparency.
- Submitting a report on action taken against defaulters involved in soil theft, along with estimates of stolen soil from various parts of the state.
- Providing a detailed report on the operational status of Khandadhar mines from October 2023 to the present.
- Furnishing a separate report on materials raised and dispatched from mines, including their working days.
Concerns Over Abandoned Mines and Auction Processes
The committee also highlighted critical issues with abandoned mines and auction processes. It observed that TISCO and SAIL handed over two mines at Biramitrapur 25 years ago, but these mines have neither been closed nor transferred to other parties. This negligence has led to numerous incidents and accidents, with the government bearing large-scale losses.
Additionally, the panel expressed concerns about the auction process of Balighats, noting that defaulter leases were allowed to participate and were awarded these sites. It recommended that Balighats where lifting is completed as per lease agreements should be extended if resources are available, or else cancelled to prevent misuse.
Infrastructure and Employment Initiatives
To support smooth operations and generate employment, the committee recommended steps to make non-operational mines at Kalahandi operational. This move aims to check human trafficking by providing local job opportunities. Furthermore, the panel stressed the need for serious attention to roads used by mineral-loaded trucks, advocating for construction that can bear heavy loads to ensure safe and efficient transport.
The committee is now awaiting reports on these matters in its next meeting, underscoring the urgency of implementing these recommendations to curb illegal activities and protect Odisha's natural and economic assets.
