Bhubaneswar: Deputy Leader of Opposition Bishnu Charan Sethi today came down heavily on the Odisha government alleging that Dankari Hills in Jajpur district is turning into a safe haven for illegal mining operations due to the involvement of the administration and government officials.
Speaking on the adjournment motion in Odisha Assembly on illegal mining of minerals, Sethi said that though the district collector had written to the Revenue Department in 2016 to take action against 10 RIs, six sub-collectors and 10 Tehsildars for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities, no action was taken against them.
He further alleged that Rs 2 crore worth of illegal mining is being done every day and the lion's share of the loot amount is going into the pockets of politicians, administrators and police officials.
Senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra alleged that due to the involvement of the ruling-party and government machinery, action is not being taken against the illegal miners.
Later, Revenue Minister informed the House that the government is taking measures to set up a police out-post at Dankari and a platoon of police force will also be stationed to curb illegal activities.