Bhubaneswar (India CSR) – Residents of Lanjigarh in Kalahandi district have urged Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi to immediately conduct Gram Sabha of Lanjigarh Bauxite mines for development of Kalahandi. Their appeal, submitted through the Collector and BDO, highlights the urgent need to start bauxite mining operations of the Lanjigarh Bauxite mines and drive sustainable economic growth in Kalahandi district.
Kalahandi district has witnessed remarkable progress since the establishment of the Lanjigarh alumina refinery in 2003, they said. Once labelled as one of India’s poorest regions, Kalahandi is now part of the Government of India’s “Aspirational District” initiative, driven by development from the refinery.
The villagers pointed out that the growth and development of Kalahandi has been affected because of no mining of local available Bauxite from the Lanjigarh mines. It was highlighted that the neighbouring districts of Rayagada and Koraput have utilized their potential by mining the available Bauxite reserves whereas Kalahandi is still struggling to fulfil its potential even after more than 20 years have passed since the establishment of the local industry.
Expressing their concerns, residents of Kalahandi have demanded: “Government to immediately conduct Gram Sabha for the Lanjigarh Bauxite Mines and start mining for the Development of Kalahandi!”
They highlighted that during the time when industry was being established in Lanjigarh, Kalahandi, many external activists and foreign forces tried to stop the industrialization and the development of the region, but the people with the support of District and State administration fought and successfully executed the project for the interests of the local people’s prosperity and overall socio and economic development of Kalahandi region.
In a similar way, the residents emphasized the urgent need to conduct Gram Sabha and start Bauxite mining in Lanjigarh Bauxite mines, which will hugely benefit Kalahandi by creating local jobs and providing a socio-economic ecosystem for the development of the region.
This appeal represents the people’s collective vision for a prosperous Kalahandi and calls for immediate action to unlock the region’s full potential.
The Need for Permanent Bauxite Allocation
You might be wondering, “Why is bauxite allocation so critical?” Here’s what you need to know:
- Economic Impact: The absence of a steady raw material supply has led to financial losses for Vedanta’s refinery.
- Job Security: Thousands of direct and indirect jobs linked to the refinery are at risk.
- Regional Disparity: Neighboring districts like Rayagada and Koraput have secured permanent bauxite mines for industries that are yet to become operational.
Community members view this disparity as an example of unfair resource distribution. By securing bauxite for the Lanjigarh plant, the residents believe the local economy can thrive.
Table: Key Highlights of the Appeal
| Key Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Refinery Establishment | 2003 |
| Total Years Without Permanent Bauxite | 21 years |
| Rally Participants | Over 4,000 people |
| Main Demand | Allocation of permanent bauxite mines |
| Impacted Communities | Dongria Kondhs, Kutia Kondhs, local workforce |
A Movement Rooted in Resilience
The call for permanent bauxite mines represents more than just an industrial demand—it symbolizes the community’s pursuit of growth, fairness, and prosperity. By addressing these concerns, the Odisha government has the opportunity to support long-term development in one of the state’s most underserved regions.
(India CSR)
