Illegal Mining in Sundargarh Under Vigilance Probe

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a Vigilance investigation into the large-scale illegal mining and trade activities in Hemgir and Koida tehsils of Sundargarh district. Following his directive, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the matter.

After the issue came to light, Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena personally visited the affected sites and briefed the Chief Minister. He stated that all those involved—regardless of their position—will be identified and strict legal action will be taken.

As per reports, 9,843 metric tonnes of coal have been illegally extracted from 22 mines in Hemgir tehsil, with an estimated value of around ₹2 crore. Most of these mines are situated on forest land.

Additionally, in Koida tehsil, illegal extraction of over 20,000 metric tonnes of manganese ore and over 1,200 metric tonnes of iron ore has been reported from 50 mines. The estimated value of these minerals exceeds ₹37 crore.