Orissa high court directs mines deputy director to stop illegal mining activities in Ganjam

Cuttack: Orissa high court has directed the deputy director of mines, Berhampur, to consider and dispose of a representation alleging illegal extraction of laterite soil and stone from govt land in Ganjam district within three weeks.A two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman passed the order on Tuesday, while considering a writ petition filed by a resident of Narayanpur village under Rangeilunda block in Ganjam.According to the petition, villagers had submitted a representation before the deputy director of mines seeking immediate intervention to stop alleged illegal mining activities being carried out by “miscreants” on govt land.

The petitioner alleged that unlawful extraction of laterite soil and stone was causing substantial loss to the govt exchequer and leading to environmental pollution in the area due to blasting operations and heavy transportation of minerals.Appearing for the petitioner, the counsel submitted that despite the representation being pending before the mining authorities, no action had been taken so far. The petitioner therefore sought a direction from the high court for expeditious consideration of the grievance.

Taking note of the submissions and the nature of the allegations, the bench directed the deputy director of mines to examine and dispose of the representation within three weeks from the date of production of the court’s order. The authority has also been asked to communicate its decision to the petitioner within a week thereafter. With the direction, the writ petition was disposed of by the court.