The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) expressed sorrow over a deadly explosion at a stone/dolomite mine in Gopalpur village, Dhenkanal district, where two lives were lost. The party called for the immediate apprehension of those accountable for the incident. The blast occurred on January 3, with reports indicating potential additional casualties beyond the confirmed two deaths.
The BJD highlighted that the quarry’s blasting permit expired on September 30, 2025, followed by the lease on December 31, 2025. Dhenkanal Collector Ashish Ishwar Patil verified the expiration of the mining license and raised concerns about ongoing illegal mining and blasting post-lease expiry. The party questioned the oversight that allowed such illicit activities to persist without detection by local authorities.
Addressing the situation, the BJD criticized the government’s failure to prevent illegal mining activities despite claims of stringent measures. The party emphasized the need for accountability, questioning the lack of action against those responsible for the tragic incident. Additionally, concerns were raised about the depletion of mineral resources in Odisha due to alleged exploitation by the state government.
The BJD’s stance on the issue was reinforced by previous appeals from Odisha’s Deputy Speaker to curb mineral exploitation and a request from a local MP to address illegal sand mining. The party highlighted a decline in revenue from major and minor minerals, attributing the decrease to alleged mismanagement by the state government. Expressing apprehension, the BJD warned of potential resource exhaustion within the next five years.
