Keonjhar: In the wake of the multi-crore mining scam in Keonjhar and other districts, the mines department took several security measures around mines and sidings from where minerals are transported. It was then alleged that, apart from excessive mining, lakhs of tonnes of minerals were siphoned off through sidings.
Now, thousands of tonnes of iron finesse are being transported from Parjanpur rail siding under Keonjhar mining circle without any check gate. However, the mines department has not taken any measure to keep a tab on the activity.
Besides, the siding doesn’t have lighting facility and boundary wall. In the absence of such security measures, there have been chances of minerals being stolen from the siding.
As per provision, every rail siding should have a check gate with mining officials to check the records of mineral transport and make stamping of the tippers used in the siding.
Questions are being raised as to how the mines department keeps records of minerals being transported from the siding.
KR international and Ujjala Minerals are exporting iron finesse from the siding, it is learnt.
Mines officer of Keonjhar mining circle Dhrubacharan Sahu said this circle has only one rail siding. The station master of Parjanpur siding has been asked to ensure all necessary security measures and infrastructure facilities at the siding.
Mines inspectors are supposed to visit the rail siding regularly for inspection while officials of the State Pollution Control Board should ensure pollution control measures are taken at the site, but such norms are not being followed by the rail siding authorities, it is alleged.
Other rail sidings in the district also lack check gates. The role of officials of the mines department, the rail siding authorities, pollution control body and the district administration has come under cloud amid allegations that irregularities are being committed at rail sidings.
It is alleged that for lack of checking, the mineral traders and contractors are indulging in irregularities and raking in the moolah.
Locals demanded that a probe be conducted into the irregularities. PNN
