A Good Initiative by Shri Bhakta Charan Das: MP demands Rs 1,000-cr VAL package for local development

MP demands Rs 1,000-cr VAL package for local development
The Pioneer, Sept 19, 2009
PNS | Bhawanipatna

Kalahandi MP Bhakta Das on Friday said the unit of Vedanta Aluminium Ltd (VAL) at Lanjigarh in Kalahandi district would be ‘sealed’ if the company did not declare a package of Rs 1,000 crore immediately for welfare of the people of the district. The date for sealing the industry would be decided at a meeting of the Green Kalahandi here on October 11, he said.

Das said the package should include direct employment of 5,000 locals in technical fields and indirect employment of 10,000 locals in non-technical fields, establishment of five technical colleges like medical, engineering, polytechnic and ITI and five central schools in the district.

Asked whether he would consider supporting extraction of bauxite in the Niyamgiri hill if VAL declares such a package, Das replied that a decision in this regard would be taken with consent of all citizens at a meeting where the industry would sign an agreement before the public.

Development of healthcare, roads, education and irrigation, connection of electricity to all villages, social activities, plantation, peripheral development and permanent income source for displaced people and tribals with lifetime free education to their children are also part of the package, he said. The industry would ensure that the flow of waters of rivers and streams in the Niyamgiri hill would not be affected. Consent of the tribals would have to be taken before handing over the hill, he said.

Das threatened that dumping of bauxite at all railway sidings, supply of water and electricity and transportation of all materials would be stopped forcibly if the company does not declare the proposed package.

Asked about media reports that the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has given clearance for mining in the Niyamgiri hill, Das said regarding this matter he talked to the concerned Minister Jairam Ramesh, who clearly denied such reports, saying no such clearance has yet been given to VAL.