BHUBANESWAR: A BJD functionary’s firm has been fined Rs 24.2 crore for alleged excess mining at a stone quarry in Kasia hills of Odisha‘s Nayagarh district and has been ordered to deposit the amount by Oct 20, reports Sandip Mishra. Challenging the minor mineralwing’s decision, Bhapur block vice-chairman BenudharPradhan’s firm has moved HC.
“There were claims of excessive mining at Kasia-I stone quarry, illegal plundering of forest land, and pollution in the area caused by the lessee,” said Nayagarh DFO Kyama Sarangi, adding that prohibitory orders are enforced in the area.
However, the firm’s spokesperson said authorities did not provide details on the extent of the excess mining but only stated in a single sentence that it had been fined Rs 24.2 crore.
