Senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister Panchanan Kanungo on Monday alleged that illegal sale of granite stones from 60 mines is rampantly going on in the Chhindakhandi area under Jajpur district’s Dharmasala block.
A representative team led by senior party leader Aryakumar Jnanedra brought this to the notice of the Odisha State Human Rights Commission (OSHRC). A dharna is being staged at the site under the leadership of Congress Dharmasala MLA candidate Smrutirekha Pahi since March 14.
Addressing a Press meet, Kanungo and Pahi alleged that the land having mines was covered with valuable sal trees years back. In 2003, the Government converted a big portion of land into forestland. The Government has leased out six stone mines. But it is disappointing that black stones are being mined illegally from 60 mines there. There are 120 stone crushers operating in the area and stones are being supplied to them illegally, alleged they.
They further alleged that the Government is earning revenue of Rs 2 crore from six mines and losing crores of rupees due to illegal mining in 60 mines. There is a nexus among the Government, mafias and ruling party leaders, they said.
They wanted to know why the district Collector, concerned Tehsildar and police are silent over the illegal mining.
They demanded that the Government stop the illegal mining and file criminal cases against mines mafia and guilty Government officials.
Among others, Jnanendra and Jnanadeba Beura were present.