Bhubaneswar, Aug 22 (IANS): Odisha and its neighbouring state of Jharkhand have said that they will jointly intensify crackdown against the mineral smuggling across their borders.
Speaking to reporters after the second inter-state coordination meeting held Tuesday to check theft of minerals including iron ore, the home secretaries of Odisha and Jharkhand mentioned about their plans and ongoing efforts.
"We have adopted some IT (Information and Technology) based solution. We are also working on some other measures," said Odisha Home Secretary U.N. Behera.
Jharakhand home secretary expressed the hope that the joint efforts will help in bringing an end to the prevailing menace of mineral smuggling.
"We are aware that we have a common border. In the coming days, we will be able to stop all illegal mining jointly," said Jharkhand Home Secretary J.B.Tubid.
Senior officials of the police, home, forest, and mines departments of both the states participated in Tuesday's meeting held at the district headquarter town of Keonjhar, about 235 kms from here.
Investigations into illegal mining in Odisha by various state and central agencies began after some politicians alleged that some mines were operating without licences.