Bhubaneswar, Aug 4: The Odisha Government has issued a fresh directive to all district Collectors and District Magistrates, reiterating that quarry permits for minor minerals must be granted strictly in accordance with the Odisha Minor Mineral Concession (Amendment) Rules, 2025, and only for government and public purpose projects.

In a letter dated August 3, 2026, Additional Chief Secretary of the Steel and Mines Department Deoranjan Kumar Singh said the amended rules were introduced to ensure the timely availability of minor minerals for infrastructure projects of national and state importance. The rules authorize the Mining Officer to grant quarry permits in non-forest areas and the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in forest areas.

The government clarified that a quarry permit may cover the sanctioned mineral requirement of an entire project or a specific phase and will remain valid for up to two years or until the completion of the project or phase, whichever is earlier. Any extension beyond two years will require prior approval from the State Government.

Expressing concern over reported irregularities, the department noted that quarry permits were allegedly being issued for non-government projects and that some applicants were disguising themselves as government project proponents to obtain permits illegally. Such practices have been described as contrary to the statutory provisions, arbitrary and illegal. The government directed authorities to reject such applications at the initial stage itself.

The circular instructs all district authorities to ensure strict compliance with the rules to guarantee uninterrupted supply of minor minerals for public infrastructure projects while safeguarding government revenue. It also warns that any deviation from the prescribed provisions will be viewed seriously, and the officers concerned may face disciplinary action.