In a strong judicial intervention to protect Odisha’s rivers and infrastructure, the Orissa High Court has directed the state government to submit a comprehensive affidavit within three weeks detailing all steps taken so far — and those planned in the future — to completely stop illegal mining across the state.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Murahari Sri Raman passed the order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by villagers of Gobardhanpur under Pipili tehsil in Puri district.
The petitioners alleged that antisocial and influential persons have been brazenly extracting and transporting sand from the Daya River near Gobardhanpur without any permission. Despite a written complaint lodged with the administration on December 26, 2025, no effective action was taken, allowing the illegal activity to continue unchecked.The most alarming aspect highlighted in the petition is the illegal sand mining happening right next to the Biju Setu on the Daya River.
According to the petitioners, such rampant extraction could weaken the river embankment and damage the bridge’s foundation, creating a serious threat to public safety and vital infrastructure.
During the hearing on June 30, the Additional Government Advocate informed the court that action had already been initiated against those involved in illegal mining and that the government would take all necessary legal measures to completely stop illegal mining throughout Odisha.
The bench, however, was not fully satisfied and made it clear that no individual can be allowed to carry out illegal mining without proper permission from the competent authorities. Taking a serious view of the matter, the court directed the state government to file a detailed affidavit within three weeks explaining the measures already implemented across Odisha and the future plan of action to eradicate illegal mining.
The petitioners have been asked to file their rejoinder within the next one week. The next date of hearing has been fixed for July 28.Advocates Nishikanta Mishra, Akhanda, and Barsha Swain are appearing for the petitioners.
