NAYAGARH: A team of local revenue officials faced a major setback on Wednesday during a raid on an illegal soil-brick kiln. Despite clear orders from the High Court banning such operations, the Tehsildar and Revenue Inspector (RI) had to return empty-handed following intense protests from local villagers. 
Locals allege that the Mines Department, which holds the primary responsibility for stopping these activities, has remained largely inactive. This negligence has led to two major problems:
However, the mission did not go as planned. A large group of local residents, including several women, surrounded the officials. The villagers strongly protested the raid, claiming their livelihoods were at stake. Although the officials tried to explain that burning soil bricks is a direct violation of the law, the crowd refused to budge.
For now, the illegal kilns continue to smoke, leaving many to wonder when the law will finally prevail over the local mafia.
The Growing Menace of Illegal Mining
For months, the Nuagaon block in Nayagarh district has become a hub for the illegal smuggling of soil, morrum, black stone, and sand. Despite various reports, the trade continues to flourish. While the High Court has imposed a strict ban on soil-brick kilns to protect the environment, new kilns are popping up across the region like mushrooms after rain.Locals allege that the Mines Department, which holds the primary responsibility for stopping these activities, has remained largely inactive. This negligence has led to two major problems:
- Massive Revenue Loss: The state government is losing millions in royalties.
- Thriving Mafia: Illegal operators are reportedly making huge profits at the cost of public resources.
Drama at Bandhamuhni Village
The tension peaked today when Nuagaon Tehsildar, Hemant Kumar Nayak, and his staff reached a site near Bandhamuhni village in the Beruabari Panchayat. Acting on specific complaints, the officials intended to shut down an active brick kiln.However, the mission did not go as planned. A large group of local residents, including several women, surrounded the officials. The villagers strongly protested the raid, claiming their livelihoods were at stake. Although the officials tried to explain that burning soil bricks is a direct violation of the law, the crowd refused to budge.
Why the Raid Failed
Tehsildar Hemant Kumar Nayak later explained the situation to the media. He noted that while the illegal kiln was clearly visible, the lack of resources made enforcement impossible at that moment."We went to the spot based on an allegation," Nayak said. "However, local residents and a group of women blocked our work. Since we did not have female police officers with us, we decided to withdraw to avoid a potential law and order crisis."
Future Action
The Revenue Inspector of Bahadajhola also confirmed that they are documenting the violations. The administration has stated that they will not let the matter rest. The Tehsildar plans to discuss the incident with the District Administration to arrange for adequate police force, including female personnel, for a future crackdown.For now, the illegal kilns continue to smoke, leaving many to wonder when the law will finally prevail over the local mafia.
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