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NHRC seeks probe into alleged illegal quarrying near Similipal
Complaint alleges night-time blasting, damage to houses and movement of 50-plus stone-laden trucks, raising environmental and human rights concerns
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Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Mayurbhanj District Magistrate to inquire into allegations of rampant illegal stone quarrying in the foothills of of the ecologically sensitive Similipal National Park and submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks.
NHRC orders inquiry
The Commission issued the direction in an order dated September 28, 2026, following a complaint alleging unauthorised quarrying in and around Saratchandrapur and Bankasahi villages under Kendua Panchayat of Shamakhunta tehsil.
The District Magistrate has been asked to conduct an inquiry into the allegations and submit a report to the Commission within two weeks of receiving its communication.
Allegations of night-time quarrying
Rights activist and advocate Mr. Akhand, who filed the complaint, alleged that stone quarrying was being carried out, particularly during night hours, using drilling machines and explosives.
The complaint alleged that the activities were being undertaken without the requisite approvals and environmental clearances.
Blasting allegedly damages houses
According to the complaint, blasting in the area was causing loud explosions and tremors in nearby villages.
It further claimed that cracks had developed in houses, particularly mud-built homes occupied by poor and vulnerable families. The complainant alleged that the repeated blasting had raised serious concerns over the safety of residents and their homes.
50-plus trucks allegedly passing daily
The complaint also alleged that more than 50 stone-laden trucks were passing through the area every day.
According to the complainant, the movement of heavy vehicles was affecting road safety and disrupting the normal lives of residents in the surrounding villages.
Environmental concerns raised
The complaint raised wider concerns over alleged environmental degradation in the Similipal region, including deforestation, hill cutting, and noise and air pollution.
It contended that continued degradation of the local environment could adversely affect communities dependent on the area’s natural resources.
Matter raised as human-rights issue
The complainant urged the NHRC to treat the matter as a human-rights issue, arguing that the alleged quarrying was not merely an environmental concern.
According to the complaint, the alleged activities were affecting the safety, livelihood and dignity of local residents, particularly vulnerable families living in the area.
NHRC’s observation
The Commission observed that “if true,” the allegations made in the complaint would constitute serious violations of the human rights of the victims.
On that basis, the NHRC directed its Registry to forward a copy of the complaint to the Mayurbhanj District Magistrate for an inquiry and an expeditious report within two weeks.
Action sought against alleged quarry operators
The original complaint sought action against persons allegedly involved in the quarrying activities, including the seizure of machinery and trucks.
It also sought relief and compensation for families whose houses may have been damaged or whose lives were allegedly endangered by the activities.
Inquiry now awaited
The NHRC’s direction calls for an inquiry into the allegations and does not, at this stage, establish that the alleged illegal quarrying, environmental violations or damage to houses have occurred.
The findings of the inquiry by the Mayurbhanj District Magistrate are now awaited.
Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Rift.
