The Orissa High Court has directed the Deputy Director of Mines in Berhampur to consider and resolve a complaint regarding the illegal extraction of laterite soil and stone from government land in Ganjam district within three weeks. This directive was issued by a two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M.S. Raman on Tuesday while hearing a writ petition filed by a resident of Narayanpur village under Rangeilunda block in Ganjam.
Petition Details
According to the petition, villagers had submitted a representation to the Deputy Director of Mines seeking immediate action to stop alleged illegal mining activities carried out by miscreants on government land. The petitioner claimed that the unauthorized extraction of laterite soil and stone was causing significant financial loss to the government exchequer. Additionally, blasting operations and heavy transportation of minerals were leading to environmental pollution in the area.
Court's Observations
Counsel for the petitioner argued that despite the representation pending before mining authorities, no action had been taken. The petitioner sought a court directive for expeditious consideration of the grievance. Taking note of the submissions and the seriousness of the allegations, the bench ordered the Deputy Director of Mines to examine and dispose of the representation within three weeks from the date of production of the court's order. The authority must also communicate its decision to the petitioner within one week thereafter.
With this directive, the writ petition was disposed of by the court. The order underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing environmental and revenue issues related to illegal mining.
