Bauxite mining at Niyamgiri opposed

The New Indian Express, May 8, 2008

BHUBANESWAR: Green Kalahandi, an organisation working to protect the ecology of the district, on Wednesday reiterated its opposition to mining of bauxite from Niyamgiri hills for Vedanta’s alumina plant at Lanjigarh.

A protest rally and dharna were organised by the organisation today to drive home the point that mining in Niyamgiri hills would lead to ecological disaster in the area. Addressing mediapersons, Chairman of Green Kalahandi and former minister Bhakta Charan Das said bauxite mines other than in Niyamgiri hills should be leased out to the company for its alumina plant.

Das alleged that besides destroying the flora and fauna of the area and leading to environmental disaster, mining in Niyamgiri will hurt the religious sentiments of the tribal people who worship the hills. Green Kalahandi will oppose steps to deface the hills, which have been worshipped by the tribals for ages, he said.

Alleging that the intake of water from the Tel river would create drinking water scarcity in the district, the former Union minister demanded construction of a barrage on the river by the company and use the surplus water.

Das demanded construction of a 20-foot high wall from Dahikhal to Trilochanpur near the hill for protection of wildlife which have become endangered because of the plant. He said the company should also increase the compensation amount for the displaced families to Rs 10 lakh and provide a job to a member from each of the 1,340 displaced families.

Besides, a portion of the profit should be invested by the company for the development of Kalahandi district and the displaced families should be made shareholders in the project, he said.