MINERAL SMUGGLING AND ILLEGAL QUARRYING ON THE RISE IN RAYAGADA*
Rayagada, Rayagada district is witnessing a surge in mineral smuggling and illegal quarrying, with many leaseholders and quarry operators defying government directives and regulations. Despite orders to install CCTV cameras at mineral sources, many are flouting the rules, leading to widespread illicit extraction and smuggling of sand, stone, and other minerals.
The authorities’ failure to ensure compliance with government orders has enabled mineral smuggling and illegal quarrying to continue unchecked. Many leaseholders and quarry operators haven’t installed CCTV cameras or displayed required signage, making it hard to track mineral extraction. Moreover, several stone quarries are operating without Environmental Clearance (EC) and blasting permissions, posing a significant threat to the environment and public safety.
Mineral smuggling and illegal quarrying are widespread, with smugglers and quarry operators operating freely in some areas. The lack of effective oversight has resulted in significant revenue losses for the government. The unchecked blasting and quarrying activities are also causing environmental degradation and posing a risk to nearby communities.
The situation demands urgent government attention. A special task force should be formed to oversee mineral extraction and prevent smuggling and illegal quarrying. Authorities must take strict action against non-compliant leaseholders and quarry operators and ensure transparent, regulated mineral extraction. Additionally, the government should ensure that all stone quarries operate with valid EC and blasting permissions to prevent environmental damage and ensure public safety.
The government is losing crores of rupees in revenue due to mineral smuggling and illegal quarrying. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further losses and ensure lawful mineral extraction.
Reported by Gouri Shankar Pattnaik
