Nayagarh: Nayagarh Collector Rabindra Nath Sahu on Thursday suspended six government officials for their alleged role in illegal mining in Mayurjhalia of Ranpur.
The suspended officials included two Revenue Inspectors (RI), two Section Officers, a supervisor and a junior revenue assistant. They faced action for their alleged role in excess mining operations being undertaken without any permission.
It may be noted that cases were registered against 11 persons on the orders of the National Green Tribunal, in this case. While two were mine lessees, nine out of them are government officials.
A few locals had reportedly approached the NGT against the two lease holders. Based on their complaints, the NGT had directed the district administration to initiate criminal proceedings against the two.
The NGT has also issued directions to the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Odisha to compute environmental compensation against the two and recover the same from them in accordance with law.