Odisha Govt Orders For Suspension Of Operations In 26 Black Stone Quarries

Bhubaneswar: Lessees of 26 black stone quarries in Dharmasala tehsil of Odisha’s Jajpur district have been asked to suspend mining operations and other related activities for allegedly flouting safety norms.

These quarries are located in Bajabati, Rahadpur, Dankari, Baramana and the Bichhakhandi hills.

This followed a probe by the directorate of mines safety on the complaints of lapses in safety measures, non-compliance with mining rules and other contraventions related to safety and security during mining and other allied activities.

Deputy director of mines (DDM), Jajpur Circle, Jay Prakash Nayak said that two senior officials from the directorate of mines safety, Bhubaneswar office, inspected the black stone quarries operating in Dharmasala area for three days in September and found serious contraventions. “Based on their inquiry report, the orders have been issued to as many as 26 black stone quarry lessees to stop mining and other allied activities there,” he told the media.

He added that police and the local administration have been intimated for immediate action.