Illegal Mining Uncovered in Odisha's Sundargarh District
Officials from the Sundargarh district administration in Odisha have detected significant illegal mining activities at a mine located under Koira tehsil within the Koira mining sector. This discovery follows a comprehensive joint inspection conducted by multiple government departments.
Joint Inspection Report Details Violations
Based on the findings from the joint inspection, the Koira tehsildar submitted a detailed report on April 9 to the additional district magistrate of Sundargarh. The report explicitly highlights multiple violations of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. Copies of this crucial document were also forwarded to the divisional forest officer of Banei and the deputy director of mines in Koira for necessary follow-up action.
Sources indicate that the violations initially came to light during an inspection conducted by the forest department last year. During that inspection, officials discovered mining activity occurring outside the legally permitted lease area. The forest department promptly flagged this serious matter to the mining department, leading to a formal complaint.
Official Statements and Denials
Koira Tehsildar Nirmal Biswal confirmed the submission of the joint probe report, stating, "The joint probe report has been submitted to the additional district magistrate, Sundargarh, and a copy has been given to the deputy director of mines, Koira. The DDM will take action against violation."
Abhimanyu Majhi, the additional district magistrate (revenue), acknowledged receiving the report, saying, "I have got the report. Illegal mining activities have been detected. Action will be taken under the Forest Conservation Act and fines will be imposed on the lessee."
However, the mining leaseholder has strongly denied all allegations. Nimananda Pradhan, a senior officer of the company operating the mine, claimed that all activities were conducted strictly within the approved lease area. "Mining has been carried out as per the ORSAC and DGPS maps. No boundary pillar has been shifted and no work has been carried out outside the lease area. We are being harassed intentionally. We have not yet received the joint inquiry report. After receiving it, we will decide our next course of action," Pradhan asserted.
Chronology of Events and Findings
According to official records, the Sanindpur Iron and Manganese Ore Mines operates with a lease area of 70.917 hectares under the name M/s Grewal Minerals and Metals. The timeline of events reveals:
- On August 11, 2025, the divisional forest officer of Banei detected illegal mining and formally informed the mining department.
- Acting on this complaint, the Koira deputy director of mines ordered a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) survey of the lease area.
- A fresh survey was conducted on September 19, 2025, involving officials from both the forest department and revenue administration.
- The DFO raised objections to the ORSAC-approved survey map, citing discrepancies with the previously approved Differential Range Plan (DRP).
- A separate committee was subsequently formed, which conducted a boundary inspection on December 31, 2025.
The inspection revealed that mining activity had extended over 1.756 hectares beyond the legally authorized lease boundary. Further verification conducted on January 8, 2026, confirmed that original boundary pillars had been disturbed and mineral dumps were located outside the lease area on DLC forest land. Following these conclusive findings, the mining department officially halted all mining operations and transportation activities at the site.
Local Concerns and Ecological Impact
Local residents have expressed serious concerns about the situation. They allege that despite clear evidence of illegal mining being established, no case has been registered against the leaseholder under Section 21(5) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and no penalties have been recovered.
On April 9, 2026, the Koira tehsildar formally informed the Sundargarh additional district magistrate, enclosing the complete joint investigation committee report that details the violations of the Forest Conservation Act. Sources further allege that the illegal mining operations have not only caused substantial revenue losses running into crores of rupees but have also severely impacted the local ecology, raising environmental concerns in the region.
