Khordha: Alleging widespread illegal mining and blasting on land belonging to Lord Jagannath in Nijigarh Tapang and Kaipadar areas of Khordha district, the Khordha Nagar Congress has submitted a memorandum to the district collector seeking an impartial inquiry and protection of the deity’s properties.
The memorandum was submitted during the public grievance hearing Monday by Nagar Congress president Ranjit Mahapatra. According to the allegations, stone quarrying, blasting and transportation have been continuing round the clock in the areas without the necessary permissions, leases or mining approvals. Such activities have allegedly resulted in revenue loss to the government besides creating law-and-order and environmental problems.
The Congress also alleged that some influential persons were involved in the illegal activities and that certain officials either neglected their duties or extended support to the operators. It further alleged that around 200 truck and Hyva trips were being made daily, with each trip generating Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000, while Rs 10 lakh was allegedly being collected every month as a fixed payment.
The party demanded an impartial probe into allegations of monthly collections and other financial transactions linked to the activities. The Nagar Congress demanded verification of records and permissions relating to all mines on Lord Jagannath’s properties in Khordha district. It also sought an independent investigation into mining and blasting activities in Nijigarh Tapang and Kaipadar.
The party called for regular raids and action against illegal mining and transportation of stone. Mahapatra urged the administration to conduct a prompt and impartial inquiry into the allegations and take necessary action to prevent unauthorised mining activities and safeguard the deity’s properties.
