India, March 22 -- With only around 6% of the fund from Odisha's district mineral foundation utilised so far, the Odisha cabinet has approved a proposal to implement all developmental and welfare activities under the district mineral foundation in saturation mode within a 5 km radius of mining areas.

This aims to provide comprehensive relief to families impacted by mining operations, who have not only lost their land but also their livelihoods and identity due to environmental degradation.

Between 2019-20 and 2024-25(January-end), an amount of Rs.23624 crore was collected in DMF of Odisha of which only Rs.1419.66(6%) crore have been spent so far, an official from the state mining department said.

The DMF aims to serve the interests and...