Koraput: Hundreds of tribals took out a rally in the district headquarters town on Tuesday, opposing the proposed bauxite mining in the caves of Ballada Maa Nageswari mountain range under Nandapur block.
The demonstrators, under the banner of Maa Nageswari Pahad Banchao Abhiyan (MNPBA), submitted a memorandum to the district administration. In the memorandum, addressed to CM Mohan Majhi, the agitators urged that the mountain range be developed as a bio-diverse eco-tourism site and sought protection from industrial activities.
The MNPBA said mining in the area will affect the livelihoods of over 40,000 tribals from Ballada, Bheja, Badel, Atanda and Kulabir panchayats. “The tribals worship the mountain range as their mother. The local deity, Maa Nageswari, is revered here. We strongly oppose the decision to allow mining in this sacred area,” said Daitari Sisa, one of the protesters.
Koraput district collector Keerthi Vasan V acknowledged the villagers’ concerns and assured that the state govt would be informed. “Discussions will be held with the villagers to find a solution,” he said.
The MNPBA highlighted the ecological and cultural significance of the Nageswari mountain range, noting that it is home to perennial water sources and medicinal plants. Tribals rely on the mountain for their livelihoods, collecting minor forest produce and carry out farming, which they fear will be severely impacted by mining activities.

We also published the following articles recently