Locals urge govt to expedite gram sabha for bauxite mine in Lanjigarh | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Local tribal groups and residents have urged the govt to expedite the gram sabha for the Lanjigarh bauxite mine in Kalahandi district, citing urgent need for socio-economic development in the region.
A delegation from Lanjigarh Anchalika Vikas Parishad submitted a memorandum to chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday, highlighting the 21-year delay in conducting the gram sabha, which significantly impeded the region’s progress.
“Despite housing some of the world’s finest bauxite reserves, Kalahandi remains severely underdeveloped. The non-operationalisation of the Lanjigarh bauxite mine has denied the region crucial development opportunities,” read the memorandum.
It emphasised how neighbouring districts like Rayagada and Koraput experienced substantial growth through active mining operations, while Kalahandi continues to lag behind due to non-conduct of the gram sabha for the Lanjigarh mine.
“The absence of mining activities has prevented the region from accessing the 5% development fund, which could have supported infrastructure, healthcare and education initiatives,” the memorandum read.
They expressed concern over the impact on indigenous communities, including the Dongria and Kutia Kondh, who have been denied employment opportunities. “Thousands of tribal families continue to face generational poverty due to limited industrial development,” they stated.
The outfit highlighted that Trilochanpur, specifically, has suffered from inadequate infrastructure and minimal economic growth, despite its rich mineral deposits. The contrast with neighbouring Rayagada’s development has become increasingly stark, highlighting the urgent need for action, they said.
Sources said the chief minister’s office has acknowledged the memorandum and assured to look into the matter. The delegation, in the meantime, announced plans to continue their advocacy until concrete steps are taken to conduct the gram sabha and initiate mining operations.
A delegation from Lanjigarh Anchalika Vikas Parishad submitted a memorandum to chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday, highlighting the 21-year delay in conducting the gram sabha, which significantly impeded the region’s progress.
“Despite housing some of the world’s finest bauxite reserves, Kalahandi remains severely underdeveloped. The non-operationalisation of the Lanjigarh bauxite mine has denied the region crucial development opportunities,” read the memorandum.
It emphasised how neighbouring districts like Rayagada and Koraput experienced substantial growth through active mining operations, while Kalahandi continues to lag behind due to non-conduct of the gram sabha for the Lanjigarh mine.
“The absence of mining activities has prevented the region from accessing the 5% development fund, which could have supported infrastructure, healthcare and education initiatives,” the memorandum read.
They expressed concern over the impact on indigenous communities, including the Dongria and Kutia Kondh, who have been denied employment opportunities. “Thousands of tribal families continue to face generational poverty due to limited industrial development,” they stated.
The outfit highlighted that Trilochanpur, specifically, has suffered from inadequate infrastructure and minimal economic growth, despite its rich mineral deposits. The contrast with neighbouring Rayagada’s development has become increasingly stark, highlighting the urgent need for action, they said.
Sources said the chief minister’s office has acknowledged the memorandum and assured to look into the matter. The delegation, in the meantime, announced plans to continue their advocacy until concrete steps are taken to conduct the gram sabha and initiate mining operations.
