Crackdown on illegal coal Mining in Sundargarh enters second day; high-level team continues raids

The investigation into illegal coal mining in the Telenadihi forest area of Sundargarh district has intensified, with the second day of raids and field operations underway. A special enforcement team from the State Mining Department has been deployed to the region following reports of rampant unauthorized coal excavation.

Probe Intensifies 

Sources from the Mining Department confirm that the enforcement team, which began its investigation yesterday, is conducting a ground-level probe at the suspected illegal mining sites. The team comprises three Deputy Directors, one Deputy Director General (DDG), one Mining Officer, and four senior police officers, all working in coordination to uncover the extent of illegal activity.

The core focus of the investigation is to determine the ownership of the land where mining is occurring. To aid in this process, officials from the Hemagiri Tehsil Office have also joined the team to verify land records and cross-check property ownership against mining activity zones.

The case gained political traction after Deputy Speaker Bhabani Bhoi wrote to the Odisha Chief Minister, demanding a high-level investigation. Simultaneously, local MLA Yogesh Singh has urged both the Chief Minister and Prime Minister to order a CBI inquiry into the matter, alleging deep-rooted corruption and mafia involvement in the coal trade.

Over the past two days, the enforcement team has also conducted raids at several local coal washeries and sponge iron factories, suspected to be linked to the illegal coal extraction racket. These raids are aimed at tracing the supply chain and identifying how the illegally mined coal is being processed and distributed.

As the situation unfolds, pressure is mounting on the state administration to act decisively. The scale and organization of the illegal mining network have raised serious concerns about enforcement loopholes and possible administrative complicity.

Further details are awaited as the investigation continues. The State Mining Department is expected to submit a detailed report to the government, and more action may follow depending on the findings.