Other States - Orissa

Bauxite mining opposed

Staff Reporter

BERHAMPUR: Environmental activists have opposed the leasing of areas of Deomali hills in Koraput district for mining.

They allege that this mining would affect the environment of Koraput district as well as the culture and tradition of tribals living in the

area. According to environmental activist and convener of the Orissa unit of the Lokshakti Abhiyan, Praful Samantra, a company named

Ashapur Mining & Chemicals Ltd. has been trying to take areas of Deomali hills to mine for bauxite.

The process for leasing out the area started last October. The Revenue Inspectors (RI) of the area issued notices regarding land acquisition in some areas of

Deomali hills having tribal habitat since October, 2006. According to sources the initial plan is to give around 3000 acres of land on lease

for mining of bauxite. Inhabitants of around 40 villages living in Pottangi, Similiguda, Koraput and Narayanpatna blocks have received

notices regarding land acquisition.

Environmental activists say the Deomali hills are the birth place of several mountain streams that lifeblood of rivers like Kolab in Koraput district. Apart from it these mountain streams also help in human habitat of tribals living in jungles in the area. All the streams of the area bear tribal names and are attached to the local tribal culture. It is felt that mining in the area would dry up the perennial streams affecting the tribal habitat and their culture attached to local environment.

Mr Samantra said tribals would never gain from the industrial mining. They get neither economic nor social benefits.

He cited the example of mining for bauxite continuing at Panchpatmali hills near Deomali hills. At Panchpatmali hills mining is continuing for the last 20 years

leading to drying of mountain streams and destruction of tribal habitats. But the tribals of the area still remain poor while people from

outside have gained economically in the mining area.

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