Koraput: The Maa Nageshwar Jungle Protection Committee and Koraputia Jan Suraksha Sangha have demanded the cancellation of the public hearing on Balda mining, which took place on the 6th of this month. During a press conference held in Koraput, they alleged that the necessary procedures for conducting the public hearing were not properly followed. They also claimed that Kalinga Alumina manipulated the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, and officials failed to respond to public concerns during the hearing.
Vijay Kumar Muduli, speaking at the press conference, stated that due to these issues, local residents boycotted the public hearing, forcing the officials to leave the venue without conducting the meeting.
Community Resistance Against Mining
Residents from five affected gram panchayats completely boycotted the hearing, refuting claims that the meeting was conducted peacefully and that the public had expressed their opinions. They strongly condemned such false statements and made it clear that they will not allow mining activities in the area.
Key Figures Present at the Press Conference
Several prominent leaders and activists attended the press conference, including:
Babita Dora – Secretary, Maa Nageshwar Jungle Protection Committee
Dasi Nandi Bali – President, Koraputia Jan Suraksha Sangha
Kahnu Charan Kandhapan – President, Kodigamali Suraksha Manch
Dibakar Sahu
Lasu Hantal
Ajay Muduli
Trilochan Muduli
Formal Protest Against the Public Hearing
Before this press conference, the protesting groups had already submitted a memorandum to the District Collector demanding the immediate cancellation of the public hearing on Balda mining.
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