Khaira: The Kolkata bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a stay order on stone mining in the Sarisua hill under Khaira tehsil in Balasore district.
While locals are somewhat relieved, the tribunal’s order has set alarm bells ringing for the stone mafia.
As per the NGT fiat, stone quarrying in all the mines under the Khaira tehsil will be stayed till December 4.
Keonjhar-based Rural Organisation for Social Empowerment and Jajpur-based Associated Social Service Agency had moved the green tribunal over the mining in hills and the resultant environmental degradation.
Sub-collector Nilu Mohapatra said he was aware of the NGT order. “Formal official communication is yet to arrive in this regard,” he added.
Recently, the local administration had imposed prohibitory orders under CrPc Section 144 on 21 stone mines following media reports about illegal mining.