Similipal, it is said, is a rare gift of nature – not only to Mayurbhanj, but also to Oidisha and the eastern India. Accordingly, various plans and programmes have been made at different points of time to protect and preserve Similipal.
But, sadly, often the fruits of all these Government plans and programmes are not reflected on the ground, due to different reasons. In recent days, it is the stone mafias, who are responsible for the steady decline in the conditions of Similipal.
The stone crushing units that are located close to Similipal are being made active by the mafias, even though there are Government rules to the contrary. Despite the imposition of Section 144 by the administration, the mafias are making their crushing units operational in flagrant violation of rules and norms and this throws a damaging impact on the health of Similipal. In certain cases, in the presence of Revenue and Forest Department officials, this illegal work is carried out. Even red flags have been hoisted in order to stop functioning of stone crushing units but in vain.
Surprisingly, even though the auction process of stone crushing units has been totally stopped since 2010 and the same is still in force, the crushing and transporting activities are going on unabated. Many now demand an inquiry into all these affairs. According to the environmentalists, if these disturbing activities of stone mafias go on for some more time, it is likely to disturb the ecological balance of Similipal and the surrounding area. This, in turn, may endanger the lives of some of the valued species of Similipal and may also force some other wild animals to flee towards the villages and towns of Mayurbhanj, making common men’s lives miserable.
Thus, early and effective measures should be taken to control and curb the menace.