The Times of india
Local Tribals blocked Utkal Alumina road to protest
Edited by : AL CIRCLE
2 min read
Hundreds of tribals of Kashipur block in Odisha’s Rayagada district blocked the road leading to the mines of Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL) on Friday, demanding fulfillment of their demands. The tribals, who blocked the road near Andrakancho under Baphlimali Surakhya Samiti (BSS), vowed not to allow mining in the area till their demands are fulfilled.
"The company has done nothing for the improvement of the living conditions of tribals residing in the mining area. It had promised all-round development of the villages, but has not kept its word," said BSS president Jhudeswar Jhodia.
The villagers are demanding among others a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the family of three tribals who were killed in police firing during an anti-mining rally against the UAIL at Maikanch in 2000 and Rs 1.5 lakh for those injured in the firing, withdrawal of false cases registered against tribals, establishment of a hospital and college at Maikanch, providing electricity in affected villages, pucca roads in affected villages and establishment of a technical school in the area.
The UAIL has set up a 4.5 million tonne bauxite mining plant at Baphlimali hills and a 1.5 million tpa alumina refinery at Doragurah in Kashipur block.
According to the villagers, company officials had assured all-round development of the area during a visit to Maikanch in December 2009 but nothing has been done since. "This time we are determined and will not lift the blockade till our demands are fulfilled," Jhodia said. Senior company officials said they are trying to pacify agitating villagers. "We are looking into the matter and the needful will be done," said Rayagada collector Sasi Bhusan Padhi. Police said the situation is being closely monitored and is presently under control.
It may be recalled that during a similar blockade put up by villagers at Kupakhal in May, tension had gripped the area after the agitators assaulted former chief operating officer of UAIL.
"The company has done nothing for the improvement of the living conditions of tribals residing in the mining area. It had promised all-round development of the villages, but has not kept its word," said BSS president Jhudeswar Jhodia.
The villagers are demanding among others a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the family of three tribals who were killed in police firing during an anti-mining rally against the UAIL at Maikanch in 2000 and Rs 1.5 lakh for those injured in the firing, withdrawal of false cases registered against tribals, establishment of a hospital and college at Maikanch, providing electricity in affected villages, pucca roads in affected villages and establishment of a technical school in the area.
The UAIL has set up a 4.5 million tonne bauxite mining plant at Baphlimali hills and a 1.5 million tpa alumina refinery at Doragurah in Kashipur block.
According to the villagers, company officials had assured all-round development of the area during a visit to Maikanch in December 2009 but nothing has been done since. "This time we are determined and will not lift the blockade till our demands are fulfilled," Jhodia said. Senior company officials said they are trying to pacify agitating villagers. "We are looking into the matter and the needful will be done," said Rayagada collector Sasi Bhusan Padhi. Police said the situation is being closely monitored and is presently under control.
It may be recalled that during a similar blockade put up by villagers at Kupakhal in May, tension had gripped the area after the agitators assaulted former chief operating officer of UAIL.
Previous article
Queensland Alumina refinery construction workforce invited to reunion
Next articleOrmet to lay off 200 jobs at Burnside Plant
Grow with
AL Circle
