Clash erupts between two groups during public hearing on sand quarry lease in Odisha

Tension ran high in Sheksarai village under Mohammad Nagar Patna panchayat in Jaleswar, Odisha's Balasore district, after a clash broke out between two groups of villagers during a public hearing on a proposed sand quarry lease on Friday.

According to reports, the confrontation took place during a public hearing conducted by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board regarding the renewal/allotment of a sand mining lease in the area. Villagers were divided into pro-lease and anti-lease groups, leading to heated arguments that soon escalated into a physical scuffle. Eyewitnesses said both sides exchanged heated words before the situation turned chaotic.

Situation Spiral Out Of Control

As tensions mounted and the situation threatened to spiral out of control, police personnel deployed at the venue intervened. To disperse the agitating groups and restore order, police reportedly resorted to a mild lathi-charge. The situation was later brought under control, and the hearing was conducted amid tight security.

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Local residents also questioned the timing of the public hearing, alleging that it was being held nearly 11 years after the last one. Some villagers expressed concern over potential environmental and livelihood impacts of sand mining, while others supported the lease, citing employment opportunities and revenue generation.

Employment Opportunities Fading Away

Authorities have not reported any serious injuries, and further inquiry into the incident is underway.

When contacted, the local sarpanch said, “The sand quarry was given on lease in 2015, and now we are in 2026. Almost 11 years have gone and the river is slowly receding and eating the embankments. Moreover, the water level in the river is also reducing due to the smuggling. As this is a farming area, we cannot even cultivate during the summer season. Additionally, Jaleswar was the most polluted place in the month of February, and one of the main reasons is the sand smuggling. So, we demand that this sand smuggling be stopped and the administration respect our sentiments.”