TV
Three miners lost their lives in Odisha’s Keonjhar district on Tuesday after being buried under a mudslide while allegedly engaged in illegal manganese mining. The incident occurred near Dalapahad hill, close to Bichakundi village under Joda police limits, within the Baitarani Reserve Forest area.
The deceased have been identified as Sandeep Prutti, Kande Munda, and Guru Champia.
According to sources, the trio was extracting manganese illegally when a section of loose soil gave way, trapping them beneath. A six-hour-long rescue operation was carried out, and all three bodies were recovered from beneath the debris.
Mining Mishap Inside Protected Forest Area
The tragic event took place inside a protected forest zone, raising concerns about ongoing illegal mining operations in ecologically sensitive areas.
Despite repeated crackdowns, such activities continue to pose risks to both human lives and the environment. Authorities are yet to comment on whether any action will be taken against those responsible for facilitating the alleged unauthorised extraction.
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Landslide Worsens Mining Disruption in Sundargarh
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall under the influence of a low-pressure system triggered a major landslide in the Koida mining belt of Sundargarh district yesterday. The landslide occurred near Toda, along the Rajamunda-Koida stretch of National Highway 520, which is a crucial route for mineral transport.
The downpour led to the collapse of soil, boulders, and trees onto the highway, halting traffic overnight. Water flowing from a nearby mine drainage further loosened the soil, covering the road in red mud and debris. A developing crack in the guard wall at Chunaghati has heightened fears of further erosion.
Connectivity Cut Off in Similipal
In another related incident, heavy rain triggered a landslide in the Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary in Mayurbhanj district.
The Jashipur-Gudgudia road was blocked near Mahurabhandar on Sunday night, cutting off access to at least three panchayats in the region. Local residents remain isolated with no immediate road access.
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Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, along with the Deputy Director of North Similipal, visited the site on Monday to assess the extent of the damage.
