TV
Authorities from the Department of Steel & Mines and the Odisha State Pollution Control Board conducted a raid on Friday on an illegal stone crusher allegedly set up inside the forested region of Tulasi Ghati in Malkangiri district.
The crusher was allegedly being operated by an Andhra Pradesh-based contractor engaged in road construction work in the area.
According to reports, the contractor was cutting through hills and constructing roads, allegedly with the intent to break and extract large stones lying along the route. The crusher, which was installed without proper authorisation, was used to process these materials.
Contractors Failed To Produce Valid Documentation
When questioned by Odisha officials, the contractors failed to provide satisfactory explanations or produce valid documentation. Authorities stated that the land on which the crusher was installed had not been leased by the Odisha government, and the Pollution Control Board had not granted clearance for the project.
“They claimed to have applied for permission with the revenue department, but that had not been processed yet,” said Satendra Sardar, Malkangiri District Mining Officer.
“They should have established the crusher only after obtaining the necessary permission and proper documentation. However, they had not yet started the project in a full-fledged manner, but had only just begun. We would soon issue a show-cause notice,” he added further.
Dipesh Kumar Biswal, Pollution Officer, said, "They have excavated a large quantity of materials and stacked them at the site. A full assessment will be conducted, and royalty and additional charges will be imposed. We would issue a demand notice and penalise them for the illegal installation."
The raid brought the unauthorised activities to a halt, and further action is expected following the issuance of formal notices and penalties.
