Raigarh (India CSR) – South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is facing increasing obstacles in land acquisition for its Pelma Mines, including a recent intervention from BJP MP Gomti Sai. The parliamentarian has written a letter to Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi, demanding the cancellation of the land acquisition process that began back in 2008. The development adds another layer of complexity to a project that is already under scrutiny for its allocation of Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) responsibilities to Adani Enterprises.
MP’s Stand for Farmers
Gomti Sai, the BJP MP representing Raigarh, has thrown her weight behind the farmers’ opposition to the land acquisition for Pelma Mines. She penned a letter to Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi, urging him to cancel the ongoing process. Sai asserts that the farmers were kept in the dark when Section 4 was published in 2008, only discovering the news in 2013. By that point, the acquisition process had already begun, leading to a united stand from the community against it.
The History and Obstacles of Pelma Mines
Coal India had allocated Pelma Mines to SECL in 2005, with the land acquisition process formally starting in 2008. Villagers from several areas, including Pelma, Urba, Hinjhar, Jaridih, Lalpur (Khar), Lalpur (Sadak), Madwadumar, Sakta, and Milupara, are now protesting the acquisition. The mine, planned to be developed by Adani Enterprises as the MDO, has been met with delays and obstacles, primarily from local communities that are unwilling to give up their lands.
Villagers Unite in Opposition
In a significant move, villagers held a special gram sabha to voice their united opposition to the land acquisition. The assembly reached a unanimous decision: the villagers would not yield their land to any governmental or non-governmental organization. This stand has further complicated matters for SECL and Adani Enterprises, who are already contending with political scrutiny.
Adani’s Role Further Complicates Situation
Adani Enterprises, which also has the MDO for other mines and a power plant in Raigarh, finds itself in a difficult position following the recent developments. The company, having taken over Ambuja Cement as well, has become a focal point for those contesting the allocation of natural resources in the state.
What’s Next?
The intervention by BJP MP Gomti Sai adds a new dynamic to an already contentious situation. With opposition ranging from political parties to local villagers, the future of the Pelma Mines development remains uncertain. All eyes are now on Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi’s next move in response to the escalating situation.
As the land acquisition for Pelma Mines faces increasing scrutiny and resistance, stakeholders are left to wonder how, or if, the project will proceed.
Also Read: Protest Erupts Over Allocation Of MDO For Pelma Mines To Adani Enterprises I India CSR
(India CSR)
