Illegal mining investigations in Odisha

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated legal actions against illegal mining and unauthorized land occupation in Odisha.

In the Khordha district, the NGT Eastern Zone Bench established a joint committee to investigate allegations of unscientific laterite stone extraction at the Olasingh Laterite Stone Quarry-C. The investigation follows claims that a private lessee violated environmental clearances by mining beyond permitted boundaries and depths, failing to implement safety-zone norms, and neglecting mandatory green-belt plantations.

In the Dhenkanal district, the NGT ordered the immediate shutdown of four stone crusher units. Investigations involving drone photography revealed that these units occupied land beyond the limits permitted by their no-objection certificates, including unauthorized occupation of Gramya Jungle. Following allegations from a Talcher-based NGO regarding the illegal extraction of over 20,000 tonnes of stone near Nishinta Hill, the tribunal directed local authorities to ensure compliance and instructed the Odisha State Pollution Control Board to assess the quantity of illegally mined minerals for potential environmental compensation.