: The district administration on Tuesday imposed prohibitory orders under Section-144 of CrPC at the hillocks of Lunibera, Aruha and Bajabati under Dharamshala tehsil and Kendugadia in Raijhar and Purnachandrapur under Darpani tehsil in Jajpur district.
The move was taken to prevent illegal quarrying of black granite by some stone lifters after two workers were killed on May 31 in a cave-in incident in an illegal quarry at Lunibara quarry.
“Large areas of the hillocks are under threat, due to rampant illegal stone quarrying activities for which we promulgated prohibitory orders by hoisting red flags and putting up hoardings to stop illegal quarry works. We also directed the police to guard the hillocks,” said Dharmasala Tehsildar Swagat Das, adding, “We directed the police to take stern action against the persons who are involved in illegal stone quarry works. In the recent past, we seized 15 black stone laden trucks, tractors and other vehicles and arrested many persons.”