Zee TV chief Subash Chandra on Sunday visited the Keonjhar mines area to take stock of the ground reality in the Joda mining circle.
Chandra, who arrived at the Tanto Airstrip escorted by B Pravakaran of Thriveni Earthmovers by a private aircraft, proceeded to the Guali mines and visited the Security Training Academy established by Thriveni. He also visited the Balda iron mines of Sirajudin & Co and the Uchabali mines. He discussed various problems of the mining area with residents of Balada, Kalimati and Palasa.
“Illegal mining in Keonjhar district has been figuring at the national level regularly; so, I am here to find the real picture at the field level,” Chandra said. The villagers briefed him about the socioeconomic problems of the periphery villages due to the closure of mines.
President of Keonjhar District Journalists’ Association Dhirendra Rout and secretary Malay Mohapatra and office-bearers of the District Progressive Citizens’ Forum welcomed Chandra and discussed with him about the present status at the airstrip. Chandra was pleased to meet students of the Vidya Bhawan who also welcomed him. An Odia channel of Zee TV is proposed to be launched soon in Odisha, Chandra informed before leaving Keonjhar.