Post News Network
Ghasipura, Jan 1: Illegal blasts in stone quarries are rampant in Bholanuagan and Ostapura under this block in Keonjhar district. Unauthorised stone quarrying at mounds in Goudasingh by two companies has posed dangers to lives and properties in the surrounding villages.
Blasts, which are carried out in the quarries, have caused cracks in houses and buildings in the locality. Locals alleged all such illegal activities are happening under the nose of the administrative officials while no action is being taken against the culprits.
“Though we had drawn the attention of the administration towards such illegal activities several times, no steps had been taken. In such a situation, people have to suffer damages to their houses,” locals said, adding no compensation is being paid to the affected people.
Upset over the problems, scores of people from the two villages Wednesday staged protests outside Ghasipura police station and later went for a five-hour long dharna, demanding action against the companies.
They stated that Gayatri Company, which is engaged in construction of National Highway-215, and Agrawal Company have been quarrying stones from Goudasingh mounds for several years.
“Over 100 houses in the two villages have developed cracks under the impact of the relentless stone blasting,” the protesters rued.
“As people were angry over such activities, there were talks with company managements, but to no avail,” they said.
On the other hand, the tehsil officials have done nothing against the companies, except imposing fines. “After paying fines, things are back to square one,” the villagers added.
They submitted a memorandum to tehsil authorities demanding action against those involved in the illegal activity and the officials allowing it. PNN
