Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 -- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an Action Taken Report from the Mayurbhanj District Magistrate on allegations of illegal stone quarrying in the foothills of Simlipal National Park, including areas near Saratchandrapur and Bankasahi villages.
In an order dated September 28, the NHRC directed the District Magistrate to inquire into the allegations and submit a report within two weeks of receiving the Commission's communication.
The complaint, filed by rights activist and advocate Akhand, alleged that unauthorised stone quarrying was being carried out in the area, particularly at night, using drilling machines and explosives.
It claimed that blasting caused loud explosions and tremors in nearb...