Former Min Gharai Seeks CM Majhi's Intervention Over Illegal Mining In Sukinda

Bhubaneswar: Former Odisha minister Pritiranjan Gharai has urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to intervene in the alleged illegal and unregulated chromite mining operations in the Sukinda Valley, claiming that rampant blasting and environmental pollution have put the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of tribal families at risk.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Gharai alleged that mining activities at the Kamarda and Saruabil chromite mines in Hatihudi and Kamarda Mundasahi villages under Kansa panchayat in Sukinda block have caused extensive damage to nearby habitations.

He claimed that continuous and uncontrolled blasting in the mining area has led to large cracks in houses, making many residential buildings structurally unsafe. According to him, several families are now living in fear and uncertainty as their homes have become vulnerable to collapse.

The former minister also alleged that chromite-contaminated wastewater discharged from the mines' dumping yards is flowing into nearby agricultural fields, ponds and water channels, resulting in declining soil fertility, crop losses and severe water pollution.

“The environmental degradation has adversely affected the health of local residents, who are reportedly suffering from skin diseases, respiratory ailments, kidney disorders and other serious health problems,” Gharai said in the letter.

He further alleged that the mining companies have failed to discharge their statutory responsibilities towards environmental protection, pollution control and the safety of local communities.

Despite repeated representations by villagers and public representatives to the district administration and mining authorities, no permanent solution has been implemented, he claimed.

Seeking immediate intervention, Gharai demanded a high-level inquiry into the alleged irregularities and called for stringent measures to curb indiscriminate blasting and environmental pollution in the mining belt.

He also sought adequate compensation for families whose houses, agricultural lands and livelihoods have allegedly been affected by the mining operations.

Appealing to the Chief Minister to safeguard the interests of the tribal population, Gharai urged the government to take effective steps to protect their lives, health, livelihood and the fragile environment of the Sukinda chromite valley.

Copies of the representation have also been sent to the Chairman of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board, the Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS), and the heads of Tata Steel's Kamarda and Saruabil mines, seeking appropriate action.

No response from the mining companies or the authorities concerned was immediately available on the allegations.