Tensa: For over two decades, the Koida mining sector in Sundargarh district has been plagued by rampant illegal mining and smuggling of manganese and iron ore. Despite numerous enforcement actions and investigations by the Justice MB Shah Commission, the issue of mineral theft has persisted since 2004.

Recently, an enforcement team visited the Koida mining area to carry out inspections aimed at addressing the ongoing mineral theft, which many locals view as merely a symbolic act. This initiative was prompted by complaints from residents to Deputy Speaker Bhawani Shankar Bhoi during his recent visit, where they reported illegal extraction and smuggling activities. In response, the Deputy Speaker reached out to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, requesting a formal investigation. Following this, enforcement squads, including the Deputy Director of Mines and officials from various departments, along with police, initiated surprise inspections to tackle the rampant mineral theft. However, residents are left questioning why local authorities have not apprehended those responsible for these illegal activities.

According to sources, the Koida mining and forest departments are tasked with preventing mineral smuggling. Organized groups are reportedly using heavy machinery deep within forested areas to extract and transport minerals to external markets. Despite repeated visits from enforcement teams, illegal activities continue unabated, particularly in critical areas of the Koida mining circle, such as Mutukudar, Vijayee, Gidei, Ganua, Malda, Kalamang, Panposia, Kenabheta, and Patamunda, all of which have been flagged for illegal mining operations. Enforcement teams have inspected unauthorized mines, confiscated illegally extracted iron and manganese ore, and seized heavy machinery, yet the perpetrators remain elusive.

When approached for comments, Ashit Behera, the Deputy Director of the Koida mining circle, stated that no theft has occurred within the lease-holding areas; instead, the illegal activities are concentrated in forest and protected zones, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Forest department. Although officials have seized illegal ore valued at over Rs 15 crore, they lack the authority to arrest those involved. Koida forest ranger Prasanna Kumar Pradhan noted that while theft was more common in the past, it has decreased due to regular patrolling. He suggested that joint patrols by mining and forest officials could lead to successful apprehensions of those involved in mineral theft.