Keonjhar: People living in villages including Nayagada around Mahaparbat in Keonjhar district have reached the end of their rope over regular blasting at iron mines in the area. Frustrated and driven to the point of desperation, several locals approached the district collectorate demanding an immediate halt to the blasting.
Most of the time, stones blasted out of the mines fall on their houses damaging them, they added. They demanded prompt repairs of their houses.
The locals told the district collector that they managed to eke out their living by collecting minor forest produce from Mahaparbat area, but now their livelihood is at stake due to rampant mining.
They dubbed the area as their rice bowl and a safe home for wild floara and fauna. It was a safe habitat for elephants. However, rampant mining has posed a serious question mark on whether the place will continue to be like before, they claimed.
They also stated that they have been facing a lot of hardships after influential people were handed over mines. “We are in trouble after losing our livelihood while no work is available. Being poor, we dare not raise our voice against the bigwigs,” they rued.
They also added that though they have been demanding a solution to their problems, nothing is being done. Some mine owners continue to induce a rife among them, they pointed out. Due to blasting, stones damage their houses. All people are now scared of living in villages and do not feel safe staying in houses, they said. Agriculture is also affected by mining and blasting.
They demanded immediate steps for an investigation and initiation of necessary measures. If nothing is done, they will be compelled to leave the village, they told the collector.
Social outfits have also come to their favour and sought safety measure against the regular blasts. PNN
