Bhubaneswar, March 17 -- An air of curiosity surrounds Odisha's Sambalpur district as aerial survey activities intensified across the region, hinting at possible mineral exploration, sources said on Tuesday.

Over the past few days, two aircrafts have been spotted flying repeatedly over the skies of Sambalpur. These survey planes have been engaged in data collection from the air, covering key locations including the Hirakud Dam, nearby areas of the district, Jharsuguda, and even parts of neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

Sources indicate that the aircrafts are stationed at Jamadarpali airstrip and are being used for survey operations by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). While the exact purpose of the survey has not been officially disclosed...