‘Illegal stone mining’ in Kasia hill under scrutiny amid forest land concerns in Odisha

Odisha Forest Department has intensified its investigation into suspected illegal stone mining at the Kasia hill within Bhapur tehsil of Nayagarh district purportedly overseen by BJD leader Benu Pradhan. Authorities are responding to allegations that mining activities are encroaching upon protected forest lands.

The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Khyama Sarangi stated that a fresh case against Pradhan will be registered. This comes alongside previous allegations, as two cases have already been filed by the Forest Department against him. Concerns have heightened due to reports of an unauthorised road that has been constructed through the forest area to aid the transportation of mined stones.

Under the directive of Sarangi, a meticulous inspection was conducted, led by Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Himani Nayak. This operation involved Khandapara Forest Range Officer Udit Pradhan alongside Bhapur Forester Banmali Raut and a mobile inspection team. They undertook an on-site visual assessment and utilised drone technology to capture comprehensive evidence.

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The primary focus of the investigation remains whether activities are infringing on forest lands. Previous concerns regarding unlawful quarrying had been formally communicated to the District Collector by the DFO. The outcome of these continued investigations could bear significant implications for both local ecological safeguards and political accountability.

“An unauthorised road has been constructed through the forest area to aid transportation. Instruction has been given for the closure of the road,” said DFO Khyama Sarangi.

“Local people have been using this road for farming activities for a long time. Even the road was developed under MGNREGA in 2027. Benu Pradhan has no link with the road,” said Bharat Kumar Behera, Public Relations Officer of Kasia quarry.