The Barbil forest officials have seized high grade manganese ore from the Sidhamath Reserve Forest under Barbil Range of Keonjhar forest Division The approximate value of the seized materials will be more than Rs 5 lakh.Sources revealed after the joining of Swayam Mallik as the DFO, Keonjhar, he put stress on conserving forest and forest materials and the whole department became alert accordingly and then one after another cases of illegal forest and mining activities have come to light.
Some days back, the Barbil police had seized a truck carrying about 30 mt lof high grade manganese and it was highlighted by the Pioneer. DFO Mallik had visited spot to know about ground reality and withdrew Murga Mahadev forest gate near border State which was allegedly a centre of all illegal activities.
Souces said that maffias have now shifted their activities to the Sidhamath forest. During seizure, Range Officer, Barbil Surjit Sahoo and Forester, Guali sections Santosh Kumar Pohi and some officials of mining were present.