A fresh controversy has been raised on alleged excavation of soil in Sheetla Talab, Koliari village and questions have been being asked on the role of the Minerals Department. Excavation and transportation work has been going on with the support of a stay order issued by the Revenue Department, residents have complained. The situation has been raising public interest because despite the visit from officials of the Minerals Department, a major move is reportedly not reported anywhere.
Local sources state that the Mineral Inspector from Raipur Minerals Department, Govt of Odisha, Pravin Netam and his team visited the site on Wednesday afternoon. On the visit, a chain mounted excavator machine and approximately six Hyva vehicles were seen at the site.
As expected of a site with vehicles and machinery, no action was reported for seizures. Following its inspection, the departmental team departed from the site, and there was some local concern about the verification of the necessary documents, permissions and royalty slips.
On being enquired into the situation Inspector Netam has said villagers were giving their consent to the work and that villagers had been advised to discontinue the work they were carrying out. He also said that during their check no vehicles or machines were seized.
But villagers have raised doubts about government rules and regulations being superseded by their oral consent. They say that mining and transportation operations are subject to the law and departmental approvals, and particularly the stay order.
Residents have also commented that severe penalties are usually imposed on those who are illegally carrying minerals without documentation. They say no action was taken on the alleged violations, which they say were apparent on the spot.
The matter has sparked demands for an impartial investigation by the District administration and top officials of the rules’ violation and subsequent action against the violator or violators.