Extensive mining by the stone mafias in Barkattha block of Hazaribagh district is destructing the Mahawar Hill. Due to unscientific and unplanned excavation of stones from the foothills of Mahawar Hills, the area which was once known for its scenic beauty, flowers and faunas is turning into an ugly spot at a very fast pace.
The famous Mahawar Hill is spread in an area of about 8-10 kms of Panchrukhirha area of Barkattha block. Villages like Tellaiya, Chechakappi, Kohrakhurd, Ichak and Koshma are in the vicinity of this hill. The Mahawar hill and its forest area which was a great support for the villagers till sometimes ago, has turned in to a dangerous place for them due to the stone deposits in it.
Illegal mining of stone chips is going on at large scale in this area. For mining explosions are made by the mafias even in broad daylight nowadays which is resulting in appearance of cracks in the houses of the villagers and the dust from crusher machines is destroying their fields also.
A nexus of politicians and businessmen has also been reported behind this unending mining.
The Panchrukhi area of the Mahawar Hill is also witnessing extensive mining and explosions. Neither the district administration nor the forest department seems to be concerned about the mining activity. According to the villagers, due to the explosions the animals are dying on a regular basis in this area.
last month after a tough stand taken by the Commissioner SS Meena, the district administration has constituted a team to demolish illegal crushers. The team demolished crushers only in Ichak and Churchu blocks but it never looked towards the crushers and illegal mining running in Barkattha block.
The role of mining department is also dubious in this illegal business which is going on in the district on such a massive scale.
At one hand State Government is losing precious revenue and its natural wealth everyday while on the other hand some individuals are making money with the
connivance of authorities who are believed to act and raise voice against all these.