Odisha mining funds diverted to stadium and roads instead of affected areas: CAG report

A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report has revealed that mining funds in Odisha were diverted away from affected communities. Despite six audited District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) collecting more than ₹22,500 crore, the funds were reportedly spent on stadium construction and road development instead of benefiting mining-affected areas.

The report indicates that none of the six audited DMFs had established an Endowment Fund as required. The findings raise concerns about the governance and utilisation of mineral revenues meant for community welfare and rehabilitation in mining-affected regions of the state.