Kaptipada, June 29: Illegal stone quarrying is rampant in various parts of Kaptipada block in Mayurbhanj district, leading to discontent among the locals even as the administration has been accused of sitting pretty over the issue, a report said.
Over a 100 stone quarries are operational across the block while a huge quantity of stones are transported by trucks to various parts of the district. Most of the quarries are being operated around Similipal sanctuary, it was learnt. However, neither the forest department nor the revenue department is aware of the illegal activities, it was learnt.
Besides, minor minerals like sand and murram are also excavated without officials sanction. As the administration has failed to check the illegal activities, the government continues to lose crores of rupees towards revenue.
As per legal provision, no quarrying activity can take place within 10 km radius of a reserve forest, but here stone is being quarried at places situated well within 10 km radius of Similipal sanctuary.
The ear-shattering explosions at the quarries trigger panic among humans and animals alike.
Locals said scared and disturbed by blasts, wild animals most of the time come out of forests and stray into human habitations at the foothills.
However, some stone quarries have been leased out at Sukhuapat, Sagunibasa, Kaladahi, Hill Block 171, Dilliswar, Kathachua, Gokulachandrapur, Narsinghbed, Dewanbahali and Mankadapada hill.
Illegal quarrying is taking place in the areas such as JS Jamudiha, Chakradharpur, Debalsa, Kulialam, Mankadapada, Kalamgadia, Ramchandrapur, Padmapokhari, Saradiha, Nato and Sharat. Blasts are reportedly carried out at a leased quarry in Nududiha at midnight.
Following repeated allegations in this regard, Kaptipada tehsildar Sharat Chandra Mallick raided some sites and seized three tractors and a dumper laden with stones and sand recently. A penalty of Rs 1 lakh was imposed on them.
Locals alleged the mafia is carrying out the trade in collusion with some tehsil and forest officials. The mafia threatens people with life if the latter oppose the illegal activity.
Baripada divisional forest officer Sanjay Kumar Swain said an inquiry will be conducted to identify the categories of land where illegal quarrying is taking place.
Mallick said action will be taken against illegal quarrying. PNN
