Anti-Vedanta groups not allowed in meeting

The Statesman, April 27, 2009
Statesman News Service

BHAWANIPATNA, April 26: Pro-Vedanta industry groups prevented those opposed to the project from attending a public hearing organised by the Orissa State Pollution Control Board in Bellemba village near Lanjigarh yesterday.
Those in favour of the project dubbed the anti-industry faction, who were accompanied by a couple of foreigners, as "outsiders".
The public hearing was held to ascertain people's opinion on environmental issues related to a proposed expansion proposal of Vedanta Allumina Ltd.
VAL which has already established 1 million ton per annum capacity refinery at Lanjigarh and started production since 2007 procuring raw material from out side the state as it awaits clearances for the bauxite mining operation at Niyamgiri, a proposal which has been highly controversial.
Now the VAL proposes to expand the refinery to 6 million ton per annum.
Inhabitants from affected villages like ~ Belamba, Sindhbahal, Rengopali, Bandhaguda and Kapaguda participated in the hearing.
The villagers wanted firm commitment on pollution control and rehabilitation benefits.
The public hearing was presided by ADM Kalahandi, Mr Chudamani Seth.
The anti-Vedanta groups and pro-groups came face to face when groups like Sachetan Nagarik Manch, Niyamgiri Surakshya Samiti along with NGO activists from outside the state including foreigners from England and Germany, said to be social activists, entered the area. The local pro industry groups resisted the anti-groups leading to chaos.
At the public hearing Dr Mukesh Kumar, the chief operating officer of VAL in his presentation addressed concerns raised by different groups and villagers and assured that the Company will take all initiatives for social, economic and environmental development of the area.
In this context Mr Siddhartha Nayak, leading activist of Sachetan Nagarik Manch and Green Kalahandi outfit later alleged that the company is not complying the pollution related lapses and defects pointed out by state pollution control board, and in view of this now there is no justification to go for the proposed expansion.
Some of the villagers like Mr Daaka Majhi welcomed the company’s expansion proposal saying: “We have seen the developmental work of Vedanta and realise what benefit the company can give us, if we give our land. We have no objection if our land goes for a bigger plant”.
He was supported by Mr Lingaraj Majhi of Rengopalli village who said: “If our land will be included in the expansion project, our fate will be changed. We support the company from its inception and will be happy to give our land for the expansion work.”