Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has ordered appropriate action against illegal mines and stone crusher units operating in Dharmasala block of Jajpur district.
According to sources, the Steel and Mines department has asked the director of mines (minor minerals) and Jajpur collector to initiate steps against illegal mining activities and submit an action taken report.
In a communication to the authorities concerned, Deputy Secretary Rajesh Prasad Nayak informed that he has been directed to take necessary steps to address complaints and submit the report soon.
It may be noted that Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo had earlier urged chief minister Mohan Majhi to take stern action against illegal mines, crusher units and stone quarries in the block.
Most of the owners of mines, stone crushing and stone quarries violate the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution), 1981 and Environment Protection Act, 1986. Hence, the authorities should shut down all the illegal units and take legal action against them, he had said.
As per norms, stone crushing units should be 1 km away from villages and 500 metres from highways. No stone crushing unit can be allowed to function near water sources like rivers, ponds, tanks and others. A stone crusher unit can’t be set up near schools, hospitals and farmland, said the legislator.
Locals expressed happiness with the decision saying illegal quarrying in hillocks under Dharmasala is posing danger to the nearby villages and agricultural fields. We are happy that the authorities decided to take action against illegal stone quarry units,” said a local.
People of many villages under Dharmasala block are suffering from dust allergy and related diseases because of the stone crushing units. As per rules, workers of all such units should be equipped with goggles, helmets and shoes. But the owners fail to follow the rules, claimed locals.
