The halting of quarrying activities around the Kuldiha Sanctuary of Baleswar had adversely affected not only the life and livelihood of persons directly engaged on the quarries, it also hit the transporting sector.
Besides the construction works of the district had received a severe jolt owing to non availability chip, metal, boulder and morrum. The Government projects were delayed and private ones suffered a lot due to materials shortage. They have to depend on outside districts to procure the material at higher costs.
Sources said while about 5,000 trucks and lorries engaged in the quarries came to a standstill following strict adherence of the Supreme Court guidelines stating no quarrying within 10 km radius of the sanctuary till eco sensitive zone was determined, about 15,000 families depending on the quarries suffered a lot.
The issue while was raised in several forums and meetings, on the sustained persuasions of Baleswar MP RK Jena, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change finally declared it an eco- sensitive zone .
The eco-sensitive zone was earmarked 2 km radius around the sanctuary. Following the notification, quarrying can be done beyond 2 km radius of the sanctuary. The development has brought cheers among all depending on these quarries.
“Our livelihood which was at stake following implementation of apex court order, now has been restored after the notification of eco sensitive zone. We are highly thankful to MP Jena for his sincere efforts,” said the functionaries of union of transporters and quarry lease holders.
“A number of letters were sent to the Union Ministry. Besides the Minster was apprised about the ground difficulties urging intervention. The Ministry generously considered the matter and efforts yielded result,” said MP Jena.
“As many as about 170 quarries in Khaira, Kupari and Nilgiri were inoperative as per the order of the court . The quarrying came to a grinding halt after implementation of the order .
However , after the latest notification of the Union Environment Ministry, a majority of the quarries can be operative. We would allow quarrying actions beyond 2 km radius of the sanctuary,” said DFO HB Udgata