Baripada: Bhanja Sena, the only revolutionary student-youth organization of Mayurbhanj district, has opposed the opening of the ‘Sonar Bangla’ hotel by a West Bengal-based enterprise in Similipal. The organization, which has been protesting for a long time, welcomed the recent announcement by the Chief Minister of Odisha during his Baripada visit, which included the establishment of 10 new industries in Mayurbhanj and promotion of cottage industries using forest produce. If properly implemented, these steps could significantly improve the lives of tribal and underprivileged communities in the district.
However, some time ago, it was reported that a private business group had expressed interest in setting up a multi-star hotel in Mayurbhanj, particularly in the ecologically sensitive Similipal region, allegedly with government support. When information regarding this was sought under the Right to Information Act, it was revealed that such plans contradict the announcement made by the Chief Minister.
According to the report from the Shyamakhunta Tehsil office, the specified land falls under forest and revenue department regulations, and permission for a hotel cannot legally be granted there. If the government is indeed planning to allot such land to a hotel company, then the Chief Minister’s statement may either be false or misleading. It raises concerns that the plan may be part of a larger conspiracy to exploit the rich mineral resources of Mayurbhanj and Similipal under the guise of development.
After gathering further information, Bhanja Sena, fearing potential environmental hazards in the future, has formally informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to ensure the protection of Similipal. Regardless of which government is in power, Bhanja Sena has always supported tourism development and forest-based small and cottage industries. However, when it comes to preserving the ecological sanctity of Similipal and the district’s environment, the organization firmly states that it will not compromise or give its consent under any circumstances.
A press conference was held on this issue, chaired by Kalinga Keshari Jena. Other key attendees included President Sanjeeb Raut, Vice President Nimay Tripathy, Jitendra Hembram, Dakshina Mahant, Kanika Bose, District President Pindu Maiti, spokesperson Rakesh Behera, Executive President Raveen Mahanty, Baripada City President Rakesh Mahanty, District General Secretary Jyoti Ranjan Prusti, District Youth Wing President S.K. Rajakhan, Bamanghati Sub-Division President Sundar Mohan Tudu, Kaptipada Sub-Division President Rakesh Panda, and Sports Coordinator Subhadra Hembram.