Granite mines being looted in Odisha: Congress' Pradeep Majhi

Malkangiri: Senior Congress leader Pradeep Majhi today alleged that valuable natural resources worth crores of rupees are being looted from granite mines in Peta area of Malkangiri district and smuggled to foreign countries.

Majhi alleged that valuable stones are being transported from the mines in trucks every day. The Congress leader said that the company involved in mining is pocketing huge profits while nothing is being done for the development of the area. As a result of which, people and infrastructure here are underdeveloped, Majhi alleged.

The senior leader also demanded jobs for local residents in the new factory proposed to be set up in the area soon. Slamming the local administration, Majhi said that while Essar company is donating Rs 1 crore for development of education in Chitrakonda area, the district collector is not accepting it. He also threatened to launch protest at Collector's office if the issues are not resolved within 15 days.

"We are urging the State government to find solution to the issues within 15 days or else the local residents will shut down the mines. Congress party will not step back till the issues are not resolved," said Majhi.

No comments could not be obtained either from the district administration or the mining company in this regard.