Joda: A day after reviewing the utilisation of DMF funds in certain projects in Keonjhar, former Justice AK Mohanty, appointed by the Supreme Court, also reviewed several development projects in Joda mining area, Thursday.
Patnaik was part of a delegation from Odisha Mineral Area Development Corporation.
The team reviewed implementation of an under-construction drinking water project at Mirigisinga, the model school at Lahanda and the area earmarked for a flyover at Joda.
At the DAV School Chhak, a delegation of the Joda Bikash Parishad submitted a memorandum to Patnaik, demanding a flyover with DMF fund.
They complained to Patnaik that people were at the receiving end of air pollutuion caused by dust from mineral extraction and transportation.
Former MLA of Champua, Jitu Patnaik alleged that DMF funds are not rightly utilised in mining-affected areas.
He demanded that DMF funds be utilised for construction of concrete roads, drinking water, and reconstruction of dilapidated buildings of schools, for setting up of community centres, infrastructure upgradation of government hospitals at Joda, Barbil and Champua.
Justice Patnaik assured the former MLA that attention will be paid to all such demands in future. He asked the district Collector Ashish Thakre to ensure that funds are utilised for those issues.
Meanwhile, reports said Rs 2304.90 crore has been collected towards DMF from Joda mining circle from September 17 2015 to December 24, 2018.
Locals have expressed concern that the huge amount of penalty being collected from mine owners for illegal mining is not being spent on development activities.
The mining firms have paid Rs 8588.40 crore towards fine.
As per the Supreme Court directive, DMF fund and the penalty should be utilised for development in the mining-hit areas and for the uplift of tribals.
Patnaik had inspected several projects in Keonjhar before holding a review meeting on utilisation of the DMF fund at Durbar Hall Wednesday. He had taken stock of healthcare facilities, help desk, CT scan, dialysis and other amenities being provided to patients at the district headquarters hospital.
PNN