Bhubaneswar, (Orissa Today), Nov 19: Lessees of 26 black stone quarries in Dharmasala tehsil, located in Odisha’s Jajpur district, have been instructed to suspend all mining operations and related activities for violating safety norms. The quarries, situated in the areas of Bajabati, Rahadpur, Dankari, Baramana, and the Bichhakhandi hills, have been under scrutiny following a probe into safety lapses.
The investigation was carried out by the Directorate of Mines Safety after receiving complaints about non-compliance with mining rules and significant safety and security violations during operations.
Jay Prakash Nayak, the Deputy Director of Mines (DDM) for the Jajpur Circle, confirmed that two senior officials from the Bhubaneswar office of the Directorate of Mines Safety conducted a three-day inspection of the quarries in September. The inspection revealed serious contraventions of safety regulations. As a result, orders were issued to halt mining and related activities at these sites.
Nayak also mentioned that local police and the administration have been informed for prompt action to ensure compliance.
Safety norm violations lead to suspension of 26 quarries in Dharmasala
