Bhubaneswar: Adani Group’s acquisition of agricultural land near the mineral-rich Gandhamardhan hills in Balangir district has sparked a political controversy, with opposition parties wondering if there is any plan for mining in the area, a concern dismissed by both the company and the BJP.
According to govt land records, Adani Group subsidiary Mahanadi Mines and Minerals Private Limited has purchased approximately 18 acres in Bharuamunda village, Khaprakhol tehsil, near the hills that house an estimated 207 million tonnes of bauxite deposits.
Demanding clarity from the govt on the issue, BJD MLA Kalikesh Singh Deo asked, “Is there any plan for exploration in Gandhamardhan?” He was joined by former Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Sarat Pattanayak, who warned that attempts at mining in the sacred hills would face strong opposition. “We will not allow even a stone to be moved from the sacred hills,” Pattanayak said.
However, BJP MLA Tankadhar Tripathy dismissed these concerns, citing the Odisha Biodiversity Board’s Oct 2024 notification for the area’s development. “There is no question of mining. Gandhamardhan has medicinal plants and is closely associated with people’s emotions,” he said.
An Adani official clarified that the land purchase is intended for compensatory afforestation related to the Bijahan coal mine project in Sundargarh district. “The company followed due processes, including obtaining necessary approvals from forest and revenue officials,” the official said, adding that the acquired land will be transferred to the Odisha govt. The same was mentioned in the sale deed, the official said.
According to the company official, the ministry of coal had awarded the Bijahan coal mine to Mahanadi Mines and Minerals through competitive bidding in Oct 2022. “Under the Forest Conservation Act 1980, the company must provide equivalent non-forest land for compensatory afforestation,” the official added.
The Gandhamardhan hills, known for rich biodiversity and medicinal plants, are home to the historic Nrusinghnath and Harishankar temples. Previous mining attempts in the 1980s by Balco had to be abandoned following public protests.
The hills hold cultural significance in Hindu mythology, believed to be the mountain which contained life-saving herbs that Hanuman carried for Laxman after he got injured in the war against Ravan’s son Indrajeet.