OPSCB organises public hearing for the establishment of the Hindalco's alumina refinery in Kansariguda

On Thursday, October 7, a public hearing was held at Dharada village located under Koraput’s Lakshmipur tehsil. The public hearing was organised by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OPSCB) for the establishment of Hindalco’s 3 million tonne capacity alumina refinery and 150 MW capacity power plant in Kansariguda.

Hindalco Industries Limited is the world’s largest aluminium rolling company and is also a leading primary aluminium producer in Asia.

In the hearing the villagers demanded for better compensation package, employment and healthcare. One of the members of the legislative assembly who was present at the event stated that the locals must be given the top priority in employment opportunities. Not only this, they should also ensure improved healthcare facility for the locals, education for the children as well as irrigation facilities for the farmers. 

“The company had acquired land 15 years back to set up the alumina plant. However, it failed to fulfil the commitments made to locals during the public hearing meeting in 2005. Hence, Hindalco has to pay fresh compensation as per the present valuation of the land,” said one member from the legislative assembly. He also stated that both the district administration as well as authorities of Hindalco must relook at the compensation package provided to the locals during the acquisition of the land in 2004-2005.