Kaptipada: Even as the multi-crore mining scam continues to haunt the government, the operation of over a hundred illegal stone quarries in this block of Mayurbhanj district with impunity has been leading to loss of revenue to the state exchequer, according to a report.
A huge quantity of stone is extracted from these quarries and smuggled out of the state with the help of fake permits, it was learnt.
The smugglers manage to transport several stone-laden trucks without using way bills of the state government resulting in loss of revenue, well placed sources revealed.
Significantly, stones are extracted from government land and forest land located on the outskirts of the famous Similipal sanctuary. This is a violation of norms of the National Board of Wildlife, New Delhi, which doesn’t permit quarrying within 10 km radius of any reserve forest.
On the other hand, powerful explosives are detonated most of the mines. While the locals are in distress due to the adverse impact of the explosions, wild animals including elephants head towards human habitations due to the deafening noise produced by the detonation, a few locals said.
Even as this illegal practice costs crores of rupees to the state exchequer every year, some revenue officials encourage it for their vested interests, it was alleged.
According to reports, unlawful extraction goes on under the nose of the forest and revenue officials at several places in JS Jamudiha, Chakradharpur, Debala, Kulialam, Mandadapada, Kalamgadia, Ramchandrapur, Padmapokhari, Saradiha, Debanbahali, Nato and Sharat panchayats of the block.
Besides, the leaseholders of authorised quarries also extract stone beyond their permissive limits. Besides, valuable large-sized trees are being intentionally uprooted with the help of earthmoving equipment on the pretext of stone extraction. The logs are later smuggled out of the state.
Though the administration is aware of such illegalities, its silence over it raises many eyebrows. Local people often become the target of the quarry owners if they lodge complaints.
When contacted, Kaptipada ranger Maheswar Singh said action would be taken if the sites of illegal quarrying come under forest department. Tehsildar Sharat Chandra Mallik said the department is raiding illegal quarries and soon action would be taken against the wrongdoers. PNN
