The seizure of a truck loaded with stolen manganese from Bhaludungri in Balangir district on February 8 night has surprised all as there is no manganese mine in the district.
After publication of report in the media, a joint team of forest officials, including ACF BC Roul, Senior Inspector of Mines Biswanth Sahu and others, visited the Bhaludungri and Gadshankar Dunguripali area, which had manganese mines a few decades ago. During searches, the team did not find signs of any fresh manganese mining there.
According to sources, two manganese mines had been leased out in 1954 and the two areas were left empty after mining was over.
The February 8 seizure has suggested that the left-out manganese was collected and was being smuggled.
The exact quality of seized manganese would be known once it is tested at the Government laboratory, said an official.
At present, only two mines are operating in Balangir district. While a graphite mine is operating at Ainlapali under Patnagarh, another is decorative stone-mine located at Darlipali.
A total of Rs 84 lakh is lying idle in the District Mineral Development (DMF) fund due to official apathy. The funds are meant to be spent for development of the villages around mining areas.
