TV
Authorities in Sundargarh district launched a massive raid against alleged illegal coal mining in the Telendihi reserve forest under Gopalpur forest range, on Sunday. The effort led to the dismantling of makeshift tents purportedly used by mining operatives.
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The crackdown involved approximately 30 officials from multiple agencies, including the Sundargarh Deputy Collector, Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Hemgir tehsildar, and representatives of the forest department.
Meanwhile, the Union Minister of Tribal Affairs and senior BJP leader from the district, Jual Oram, has asserted that should the allegations of coal theft be proven, those accountable will face consequences, irrespective of their identity and clout.
Union Minister Jual Oram warns action
“This (the allegation) has already been reported by the media and now the government will seek detailed reports on the matter. Facts and figures in the alleged illegal mining will be verified and actions will accordingly be taken. Whoever will be found guilty, no matter what his position is, would face action,” the Union Minister said to mediapersons.
“DGP-Odisha has directed to intensify the enforcement drive in Sundargarh district against the illegal mining of major and minor minerals,” senior cop Brijesh Rai expressed.
“The revenue forest (Telendihi) comes under the acquisition of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). We found mining carried out at several places and it appears that mining activity is still going on. Perhaps, the coal mining was started around 2-4 years ago,” Sundargarh Sub-Collector Dasarathi Sarabu stated.
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“When we reached the spot found that coal was dug at some places and quarried coal ores were stacked at some others. No one was spotted at the site. The stacked coal ores would be around 10 truckloads. We will keep a strict vigil on the ongoing mining activity and nab the wrongdoers red-handed,” the Sub-Collector added.
Reported By: Debabrata
