Safety Concern / Illegal Stone Blasting Shakes Ganjam Village, Residents Demand Action

Ganjam, Oct 7: Villagers of Ankorada in Ganjam district’s Digapahandi block are living in fear and frustration as illegal stone blasting near Chudangpur has left homes cracked, plaster falling, and daily life disrupted.

For nearly 15 years, residents have complained against the crusher owners who, they allege, use detonators recklessly without prior notice, causing damage to property and endangering lives.

On October 3, the situation escalated when a sudden blast around 5 pm shook the village. Locals described the sound as resembling an earthquake. Several houses suffered broken doors, cracked walls, and falling cement plaster.

Also read: Shree Jagannath Greenfield Airport Project Clears Key Hurdles in Puri

Many families reported damage to household electrical appliances, including televisions. Villagers say nearly 60-70 per cent of homes in the area are now in similar condition, with structures built from hard-earned savings crumbling before their eyes.

Despite repeated objections, the crusher owners allegedly ignored warnings and continued blasting. Villagers recounted past incidents where stones had fallen dangerously close to homes, forcing people to flee in panic. The October 3 blast, however, has left the community deeply shaken.

In response, affected families and youth carried broken plaster pieces and damaged appliances to the Digapahandi police station to lodge a formal complaint. They also submitted a memorandum to the local tehsildar, demanding immediate sealing of the crusher. The tehsildar visited the site and assured villagers that urgent steps would be taken to address the issue.

Residents insist that their homes, built with years of toil, cannot be allowed to collapse due to illegal blasting. They have appealed for government intervention and compensation. “If authorities fail to act, we will be forced to escalate our demands to the district collector,” villagers warned.

For Ankorada’s residents, the demand is simple: stop the illegal blasting and protect their homes before more damage is done.