Rayagada’s Muniguda block has come under the scanner following allegations that an illegal stone crusher has been functioning for nearly one-and-a-half years without securing mandatory approvals. The unit, reportedly established by a private firm named Iron Triangular during the Railways Department’s third-line expansion project, has continued operations even after the expiry of its Pollution Control Board clearance.

Villagers Allege Dust, Noise and Crop Damage

Residents of Deokupali village under Kumuda panchayat said routine blasting at the quarry has disrupted their sleep, while dust and smoke regularly blanket nearby homes and roads.

“When they operate the crusher, the dust enters the village, making it difficult to breathe,” a local villager said.

Farmers further alleged that continuous operations have damaged standing crops, with stone dust settling densely across agricultural fields. According to locals, the prolonged functioning of the crusher has allowed the operator to earn substantial profits, even as administrative action remained absent. Muniguda block, they claimed, has increasingly become a hotspot for illegal stone extraction and sand smuggling. Several written complaints have reportedly been submitted to district authorities, the Forest Department and the Mining Office, but with little impact.

District Administration Begins Inquiry

Rayagada District Mining Officer Parsuram Pradhan said the operator had claimed to have applied for the necessary permissions. “They told us they wrote to us seeking approval, but we need to verify that. We have also imposed a penalty of Rs 4 crore for operating without clearance,” he stated.

Rayagada Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni confirmed that an inquiry is in progress. “The investigation has begun with the Junior Mining Officer and other officials. When the team visited the site, some individuals absconded. The Tehsildar has been directed to notify them to submit the required documents within a stipulated timeframe, failing which the crusher will be seized,” he added.

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The inquiry is expected to determine how the unit continued operating without approvals and whether administrative lapses contributed to the prolonged illegality.