Odisha: In a bold move to curb rampant illegal coal mining in Odisha’s Sundargarh district, the state government on Friday initiated a high-level probe into unregulated mining operations, particularly in the dense forested regions of Hemgiri block. Two key cabinet members – steel and mines minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena and forest and environment minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia – led the initiative by venturing deep into the Telendihi forest to conduct ground-level inspections. The ministers were accompanied by senior district officials during their visit to suspected illegal mining sites. Illegal coal extraction has reportedly been ongoing for years in forested pockets such as Gopalpur, Telendihi, Ratansara, Jamkani, and Bhogra-Kachhar, often under the radar. The site visit follows mounting concerns over environmental damage, loss of state revenue, and alleged administrative inaction under previous regimes. Responding to preliminary findings, the Sundargarh district administration has already carried out raids on several local sponge iron units and coal washeries believed to be using illegally sourced coal. The state mines department has deployed a dedicated nine-member enforcement team to conduct detailed investigations. Officials confirmed the seizure of approximately 10,000 tonnes of illicitly mined coal ore to date. Reaffirming the state government’s zero-tolerance policy, mines minister Jena said, “The Mohan Majhi government will never provide shelter to corruption or illegal mining. Protecting Odisha’s mineral wealth is a top priority, and we are committed to ending such practices.” Forest minister Khuntia echoed the sentiment, asserting that those found guilty will face strict legal consequences. “We will not spare those who have been looting public resources and destroying the environment. Arrests are imminent. The time for leniency is over,”he said. Khuntia also hinted at the possible complicity of officials under the previous government. *“There were attempts to silence voices and suppress reports of illegal mining. With the change in leadership, the truth is now emerging. Any official found to be complicit will face serious action,” he warned. Sources within the district administration acknowledged that initial alerts about illegal operations came from local journalists, whose investigative reports prompted the government’s swift response.
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