Odisha: Anti-Utkal Alumina stir gains momentum; Displaced persons threaten to halt work

Tension is brewing in Doraguda area under Kashipur block yet again where the construction of Utkal Alumina Refinery is going on. Kucheipadar, a tribal village with a population of 1,500, has been the cradle of the anti-alumina agitation in Kashipur, which has been going on for more than a decade.

Now an uneasy calm prevails in Kashipur. Fear of displacement and loss of livelihood has put the tribal people on the warpath against the government and the company authorities who seem to be working in tandem to set up the one-million-tonne-capacity refinery. A total of nine villages, like Kodipari, Maikanch, Andirakanch, Hatikhaman, Ambiligadtunda, Naringjodi, Hatiguda, Dangasil and Patiasil have been affected due to the alumina project.

Resenting the non-fulfillment of their 35-point charter of demands as agreed by the company, the displaced people are reportedly planning a major agitation under the banner of ‘Utkal Alumina Displaced & Affected Committee’ if the company fails to act on the demands by December 6, 2011. We would be sit on dharana and halt all the construction works of the company as a last resort to press forward our demands, committee sources said.

The committee has alleged that the people of three affected Gram Panchyats are yet to avail the basic amenities. While demanding revised price for the land in accordance to the union government’s land acquisition bill which proposes to give a much better deal, including higher compensation, to landowners, and sets the stage for a radical overhaul of the 1894 Act.

The new bill would give enhanced compensation and relief and rehabilitation (R&R) package to displaced persons. The 'public purpose' has been tightly defined to curb whimsical acquisitions. Private companies would have to give R&R package even if they directly buy land from landowners, provided the area is over 50 acres in urban areas and 100 acres in rural areas.

The charter of demands include, suitable rehabilitation for the 22 Maikanch Firing affected people, payment of Rs.30 lakh for one acre of land and Rs.2 lakh to the families of the displaced & affected from the company’s net annual profit, to set up medical college and create better environment for education.