Khaira: Unscrupulous mafia is allegedly transporting murram from government land near Sarisua hill under Khaira revenue circle in Balasore district without permission. But the administration has been apathetic to the loot.
Truckloads of murram are being lifted from 97 mines in the area and it is alleged that the transporters are not paying any cess to the government. The residents have alleged that although the loot has been taking place in broad daylight, no action is being taken against the looters.
Residents of the foothills of Sarisua expressed their concern over the impact of the illegal quarrying on the environment and warned that the hill, an integral part of the local ecology, faced the risk of being denuded altogether if the district authorities failed to check illegal mining at the earliest.
The hill, sprawling over 62 sq km, has been declared an elephant corridor. The tehsil administration had also closed 109 stone quarries in the area following the declaration.
However, after a hiatus, the stone mafia revived its activities in the area by carrying out stone extraction. Local environmental activists had earlier taken up the matter with the District Collector and the sub-collector. Besides, some local representatives had complained about the growing menace to authorities.
Taking serious note of the matter, the tehsildar and revenue inspector had announced through public address system and warned of stern action against those found carrying out illegal stone quarrying in violation of regulations.
Soon after the announcement, the tehsildar went on leave. Taking advantage of his absence, the stone mafia has been carrying out extraction at a rapid pace and transporting stones through Kupari-Soro and Kupari-Ranital roads to the neighbouring West Bengal.
Transportation of stones through heavy vehicles has also reportedly affected the roads and environment, it is alleged.
The villagers further alleged that truckers are using one challan form for several rounds of transportation.
The villagers have given a memorandum to Collector K Sudarshan Chakravarthy in this connection at a public meeting. The collector has instructed sub-collector Neelu Mohapatra for taking appropriate action against illegal stone quarrying and transportation.
PNN
