Jharsuguda: Allegations of widespread violations of government regulations have surfaced at the Samaleswari Open Cast Project under MCL’s Ib Valley Area in Brajrajnagar, raising concerns about safety, revenue loss, and regulatory enforcement.
Sources allege that mine officials, under pressure from a private transport company, permitted illegal coal overloading despite clear prohibitions. Several private transporters and societies, including Nirupama Mining Transporting Private Limited, Shiv Shakti Society, Jai Ambe Road Lines, and Maa Kali Movers, are involved in coal transportation at the project.
Of these, Nirupama Transport is accused of blatantly violating overloading regulations.
Coal overloading is a punishable offense as it leads to coal spillage, environmental pollution, damage to public roads, and loss of government revenue.
It also facilitates illegal coal diversion and black marketing.
Overloading is strictly prohibited in the mining area. Sources said the Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS) held a meeting at the Ib Valley GM Complex in Brajrajnagar last Monday and issued strict instructions to prevent overloading.
However, when coal loading was strictly carried out as per regulations on Sunday morning, Nirupama Transport allegedly removed its vehicles, disrupting transportation until the afternoon.
Project officials were reportedly forced to allow overloading to resume.
Other transporters reportedly continued their operations while adhering to regulations. Nirupama Transport’s HR head, Prabhat, declined to comment.
Project Manager Shatrughan Sahu could not be reached, while Project Officer Kanhaiya Mishra said he was out of station and was unaware of the development.
District Transport Officer Pramaya Kumar Mishra stated that overloading is illegal and assured an investigation and strict action if violations were found.
