Mines in the name of Lord Jagannath to be auctioned: Odisha Minister

Puri: Odisha government will soon initiate steps for the auction of mines in the name of Lord Jagannath in several parts of the State, informed Steel and Mines Minister, Prafulla Mallick.

The move is likely to play a crucial role in putting a check on the exploitation of minor minerals. The delay in auction of the mines of Lord Jagannath of Puri Srimandir is to be blamed for rampant illegal mining activities in several parts of the state.

“Such things have come to the notice of Odisha government and adequate steps are being taken for the auction of these mines," said Mallick on the sidelines of Independence Day celebrations in Puri today.

The revenue generated from the auction of these mines will be helpful in strengthening the corpus fund, the minister added.