Odisha will teach West Bengal the required lesson: Minister

A collaborative exercise to identify the territorial boundaries between Odisha and West Bengal commenced on Monday along the Subarnarekha River amid a longstanding dispute over sand quarrying from bordering areas of the riverbed.

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The tension arose after accusations surfaced that West Bengal had been excavating sand from Odisha’s jurisdiction using state-run quarries.

Officials from both states convened in an effort to resolve these border concerns, resulting in planned assessments aimed at delineating the river boundary from Sonakania, located in West Bengal, to Dakshina Praharajpur in Odisha.

Odisha officials inspect sand quarrying on the riverbank

Four locations along the river have been earmarked for the measurement exercise. This step is seen as crucial to address and rectify grievances lodged by Odisha residents, who have alleged that sand was being extracted by West Bengal beyond its rightful territory.

The assessment process is utilising geo-referencing technology to ensure better precision in mapping the disputed areas.

Odisha government became actively involved following persistent local complaints, leading to a temporary cessation of sand lifting activities by West Bengal.

This dispute highlights the complexities and challenges of inter-state resource management in the country, prompting further dialogue for fair and sustainable practices.

“We had come to verify the ground realities and to probe into accusations that the sand quarries on the Odisha side are being illegally excavated. Quarries on West Bengal side have duly been auctioned and quarrying activities are accordingly going on,” Balasore Additional Collector Hemanta Kumar Singh said.

“However, the sand quarries on Odisha side are now in approval stage. A team of officials from Odisha Space Applications Centre (ORSAC) is using geo-referencing technology to ascertain the quarry locations,” the ADM expressed.

Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari stated, “Borders between the two states have not yet been clearly demarcated (since the separation of Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar). What to speak of disputes. Process has already started to identify the borders.”

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“We are in contact with the neighbouring West Bengal government. The discussions are going on in an amicable ambiance. Borders will be demarcated after field verification soon. We will teach West Bengal the required lesson,” the Revenue Minister added.