The dust of illegal mining scam seems to be finally settling down with mineral-rich Koida block limping back to normalcy. The Rourkela police and district administration now face a fresh challenge not to allow mining mafias rule the roost again.
Koida mining sector, about 100 km from Rourkela, having rich deposits of iron ore, bauxite and other minerals had hogged the limelight for all the wrong reasons.
Sources said illegal mining began in early 2000 and during 2007 and 2010 it reached all time high to rob the State and national exchequers of over Rs 3,000 crore. From mines mafias to roadside vendors, everyone reaped profit by plundering the natural resources.
Before arrival of the MB Shah Commission of Inquiry on illegal mining in December last, the State Government had virtually shut down all private mining operations. After months of hiatus, mines that have now met all the criteria, have resumed operation.
Deputy Director of Mines (DDM), Koida, S N Sinku said as many as 21 of the total 71 mines are operating now.
“Adequate security measures have been put in place to prevent theft of minerals. Besides generation of e-pass for mineral transportation, efforts are underway to introduce electronic surveillance,” he said.
It is learnt that measures are being taken to introduce camera surveillance at Jamdihi, Langleswar, Malda, Kulupat and Karmanga check gates and weigh bridges at Barsuan, Kaleiposh and Jamdihi. The South Eastern Railway (SER) is also being asked to ensure electronic monitoring mechanism at railway sidings.
Rourkela SP Himanshu Lal said crackdown on mineral thieves will continue.
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