Does mining always lead to hazards?

By Dr Bhagban Mallick
Retired Professor of Geology
Bhubaneswar

While delay in execution of industrial projects has become a matter of concern for the State, some already operational projects are being opposed by different groups of people over different issues. In this context, I want to cite the example of the protests against the mining project of Vedanta Aluminium Limited at Niyamgiri Hills in Lanjigarh of Kalahandi district. Many people and organizations are opposing this project despite a Supreme Court judgment which has approved it. They are raising voice against the project on the grounds of apprehensions regarding environmental hazards and adverse effects on the lives and livelihood of the Dongria Kondhs residing in this area. But before reaching any conclusion, we must verify whether these apprehensions are true.


In this context, I want to give the example of Panchapatmali bauxite mining site, where Nalco is carrying out its mining operations since a long time. Villages still exist in the foothill of the mining site and people are engaged in agricultural activities. While the anti-Vedanta activists and NGOs are repeatedly claiming that bauxite mining will dry up all rivers and streams from the hill, this is not true. The environment of the area will also not be adversely affected as mining will be carried out in an environment-friendly manner. So, the opponents of Vedanta should stop misleading the innocent tribals.

The other concern of the anti-Vedanta activists pertaining to the socio-economic condition of the Dongria Kondhs will also be addressed as per the directive of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has already been set up for the welfare and sustainable development of the people of the Lanjigarh in line with the judgement of the Supreme Court and it’s first meeting under the chairmanship of the Revenue Divisional Commissioner of Southern Range Mr Satyabrata Sahoo was held to discuss the further course of action.

So, the allegations and apprehensions of the anti-Vedanta people seem to be unjustified and vague to me. As an aware citizen and retired academician , I think Vedanta should be allowed to mine bauxite from Niyamgiri Hills for the proper utilization of the resources of the state. I request the people of Orissa and the locals of Lanjigarh to support the project without being biased by the opinions of some people with vested interests.