Bhubaneswar, July 18: On Friday, the Odisha Mines Department launched extensive raids on mines and stone quarries in Dharmasala, located in Jajpur district. The raids targeted areas including Lunibar, Chadheidhar, and Dankari where mining operations were under scrutiny.

These actions were prompted by allegations from Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sahoo regarding significant irregularities in mining practices during the previous administration of the BJD government. Sahoo emphasized the intention to take stringent measures against any individuals found engaging in illegal activities.

"We had previously raised concerns about irregularities during the previous government's tenure and had requested detailed investigations from the Director of Minor Minerals, the Collector, and the Revenue Department," stated MLA Sahoo.

NN Singhdeo, Joint Director of the Mines Department, confirmed the purpose of the inspections, stating, "We are here to conduct inspections based on the MLA's formal complaint. A team from the Directorate of Minor Minerals has been constituted. Upon preliminary findings, we will recommend further inquiries to determine whether there has been over-mining and compliance with regulations. Surveys and additional actions will follow accordingly."

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