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Bhubaneswar: After mandi mismanagement, opposition parties in Odisha including the BJP and Congress cornered the State government by raising the issue of illegal mining and transportation of sand during the proceedings of the on-going budget session of the State legislature on Friday.
Opposition members alleged that despite rampant illegal mining of sand, there has been no policy to regulate the mining and transportation of the minor mineral in the State.
Though a draft ‘Sand Policy’ was prepared by the State government in 2018, it is yet to be implemented, they alleged.
“The draft Sand Policy was prepared in 2018 and even after three years it is still in consultation stage and being reviewed. I want to make it clear that there is rampant illegal mining and transportation of sand from Odisha,” alleged Opposition Chief Whip, Mohan Majhi.
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Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati alleged that both BJP and BJD leaders are involved in illegal sand mining in the State.
“It is surprising that the State government is imposing fines on common man for lifting sand and stones for construction of house in villages. But no action is taken against mafia engaged in illegal mining and transportation of sand from the State,” said Bahinipati.
Not only opposition MLAs, Odisha Assembly Speaker SN Patro also raised concerns over illegal sand transportation in the State. He said sand from his constituency is being transported to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
“Sand is minor mineral and it involves the business runs into cores of rupees. The State government is earning revenue to the tune of Rs 1500 crore while it is losing another Rs 5,000 crore to the illegal trade. Why is the draft policy not passed at the earliest,” asked Patro.
Responding to the allegations levelled by the Opposition, Revenue Minister Sudam Marndi informed the House that sand is not being exported to any foreign countries. “We (Odisha) is supplying to two- three States,” he said.
“Already discussions are on with various departments to formulate a new sand policy. We are hopeful it will be implemented in the State soon,” he added.
Also Read: Odisha: Deogarh MLA Threatens Self-Immolation Over Mandi Mismanagement
