Senior BJP leader Jayanarayan Mishra on Wednesday alleged that there has been a mining scam to the tune of around Rs 9 lakh crore in Odisha. Addressing a presser, Mishra said 192 mines in the state are operating illegally.
Out of these, 176 mines lack forest and 94 others do not have any environmental clearances. There has been excess mining from 75 iron-ore and manganese mines. Around 95 mines have adversely affected rivers and nullas apart from having an impact on the lives of tribals and wildlife.
The Leader of Opposition (LoP) further alleged that there is direct involvement of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the scam. Hence, a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) should be conducted, he said.
Mishra informed that a memorandum in this regard has been submitted to the President, Prime Minister, and Odisha Governor.
Responding to LoP’s allegations, BJD MLA Badri Patra said, “It is their (opposition) habit of making such statements and false allegations to mislead and gain mileage in the coming election. It is not possible.”