Serious questions were raised over safety arrangements and heavy vehicle movement at PTA and Geetarani mines in the Tensa area of Sundargarh district of Odisha, after a complaint submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) reached the local mining administration. The complaint alleged that heavy vehicles were being operated on steep slopes inside the mines, creating a risk of vehicles losing control, overturning and causing serious accidents.
Complaint Reached Mining Administration
RTI activist Dr Rajkumar Yadav filed the complaint through the CPGRAMS portal on 1st September 2026. The complaint, registered under reference number PMOPG/E/2026/0166436, sought immediate action on the alleged safety concerns. It also referred to reports of some vehicles lying at the mine premises after earlier accidents and called for an independent examination of such incidents. Action on the complaint was recorded at the officer level on 10th September, and the matter was forwarded to Deputy Director of Mining, Koira, Vibhuti Bhushan Behera.
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Demand for Joint Safety Inspection
Yadav has sought a joint inspection of the two mines and a safety review of 16 wheel and larger trucks, dumpers and other heavy vehicles operating there. The complaint also called for an independent third party audit covering mining operations, transportation, road gradients, worker safety, accident records and environmental standards. The demand comes amid concerns that steep stretches inside mining areas can increase the risk of heavy vehicles losing control, particularly while descending.
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Action Status Remained ‘Under Process’
According to the complaint status, the matter remained “under process” as of 16th September 2026. No investigation had reportedly started by then. The delay has raised questions over whether a complaint involving mine safety should remain limited to administrative processing without a site inspection. The complainant has sought a time-bound assessment of the alleged risks and appropriate action based on its findings.
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Focus Now on Ground-Level Safety Check
The issue now rests with the local mining authorities, who will have to examine the allegations through a physical inspection and technical assessment. Apart from vehicle movement, the proposed review covers road slopes, worker safety, accident records and environmental conditions at the mines. No official report confirming the allegations was available at the time of reporting. The complaint is based on allegations made by the complainant, and the findings of any official inspection would establish the actual safety position at the sites.
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