Mayurbhanj, June 11 -- Mining operations in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district have come under scrutiny after farmers and environmental experts alleged large-scale damage to agricultural land, water resources and the surrounding ecosystem.

Singhraj Hembram, a local farmer, said the mining company operating in his area has caused extensive damage over several decades.

"The problem is this company has completely filled our streams with sand," Hembram said.

He alleged that the mining activity has been ongoing for decades without meaningful local development.

"It's been approximately 55 years. They haven't done any development work for us. They've filled our farmland with sand," he added.

Describing the worsening agricultural conditions, he sa...