Odisha Vigilance Sets Up SIT To Probe Illegal Mining In Sundargarh
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The Odisha Vigilance Department has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe large-scale illegal mining activities in Hemagiri and Koida areas of Sundargarh district, following directives from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
As per an official release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the move is part of the state government’s “zero-tolerance policy against corruption”, initiated after Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena submitted a detailed report to the CM.
Investigations revealed that 9,843 metric tonnes of coal were illegally extracted from 22 mines in Hemagiri, with an estimated value exceeding ₹2 crore.
Extraction of manganese and iron ore has been detected from “50 illegal manganese and iron ore mines in Malda, Pataweda, Sanputuli, Kolmang and Rusivenua under Koida tehsil of Sundergarh district”, it said.
“More than 20,000 metric tonnes of manganese ore and more than 1,200 metric tonnes of iron ore have been illegally extracted from these mines. The estimated value of the minerals is more than Rs 37 crore,” the release added.
The probe also uncovered illegal mining of manganese and iron ore from 50 mines across Malda, Pataweda, Sanputuli, Kolmang, and Rusivenua in Koida tehsil.
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Manganese Ore: Over 20,000 metric tonnes
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Iron Ore: Over 1,200 metric tonnes
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Total Estimated Value: More than ₹37 crore
The SIT has been tasked with identifying culprits, tracing the illegal supply chain, and ensuring accountability. Further legal action is expected as the probe progresses.
