Large amounts of quartz stone are being mined illegally in Subarnapur district.

As the state of Odisha gears up for elections, political parties are facing a pressing need for funds. Unfortunately, this has led to an increase in illegal mining and smuggling of quartz stones in the localities of Birmaharajpur tehsil in Subarnapur district, according to sources. It is alleged that many leaders from various political parties are using the money acquired through these unlawful activities to finance their campaigns.

The sources revealed that the quartz stones are being extracted from quarries owned by the Odisha government and then smuggled out of the state at inflated prices. This has resulted in a significant loss of revenue for the government. It is believed that a well-connected and influential network is behind this illegal operation, working in collusion with political leaders and district officials.

Locals have also pointed out the involvement of the Revenue department and the police in this illegal trade. They believe that the absence of a proper Mining department office in the district has contributed to the rampant increase in illegal mining. The nearest office is located in Bolangir, where a deputy director is stationed. If regular raids were conducted in the stockyards of Birmaharajpur tehsil, the widespread looting of quartz stones would have been exposed.

One individual, speaking on the condition of anonymity, explained the process of this illegal operation. Quartz stones are extracted from quarries and stored in various stockyards before being transported to industries outside of Odisha. The transportation of these stones in trucks would not have been possible without the help of the police, he added. These stones are used in steelmaking units as slag and also act as a protective cover on steel gutters.

Sources have revealed that the Mining department has leased out quarries in Dadarpali and Bankia villages in Birmaharajpur tehsil. However, the leaseholders are not extracting quartz stones from these designated quarries. Instead, they are focusing on non-leased quarries in Telipali, Kardapal, Ludumunda, Barajhula, and Pardiapali villages, as they can obtain the stones for free. This has raised concerns among residents who are disappointed with the district administration's lack of action to prevent this rampant looting.

When contacted, Birmaharajpur sub-collector Lalatendu See stated that it is the responsibility of the Mining department to conduct raids, as his office does not have the required authority. However, he assured that he would look into the matter and initiate a probe if any wrongdoing is found.

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