Kotpad: The hill near Sukuta Majhiguda village under Kusumi Panchayat in Kotpad Block has become a potential hazard. For the past 7 to 8 years, an Andhra-based businessman has reportedly been manufacturing explosives in a house located on the hill and supplying them elsewhere. However, neither the administration nor the forest department has any knowledge of this matter. The police have also stated that they are completely unaware of it.
A person owns a piece of land on the said hill, which is being used for the explosives factory. To keep the operations discreet, chemicals are transported to the site at night using trucks.
The explosives are produced within a day or two and then transported out. The purpose for which these explosives are being used remains unknown. Most of the time, the factory remains locked, and even the nearby villagers are unaware of when it operates. However, locals have occasionally noticed trucks arriving at the site. A road has also been constructed in the jungle for truck and car movement.
The forest ranger has confirmed that no permission was granted for road construction in the jungle, raising questions about how it was built. Upon contacting the local Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO), it was confirmed that neither permission was granted nor was a Gram Sabha (village meeting) held regarding this matter.
Kotpad police officials have also stated that they have no information about the explosives factory operating in the jungle. Since it is running without authorization, there is a risk of accidents. As a result, locals are demanding that the police and administration take immediate action.