In Jharsuguda, a burgeoning conflict has surfaced over Vedanta Limited’s potential coal mine project. The dispute erupted during a public hearing organized by the Jharsuguda district administration and the District Pollution Control Board. Allegedly, a section of the local community, projected to be displaced by the proposed Vedanta mine, was reportedly barred from the meeting.
Public Hearing Fuels Strife
At the heart of the dispute is the public hearing held at Katujor in Jharsuguda’s Lakhanpur block on Tuesday. The hearing was aimed at discussing the National Green Tribunal’s clearance for Vedanta Limited’s coal mine. According to the locals, their attempts to participate in the meeting were thwarted by certain individuals reportedly backing Vedanta.
Accusations have been raised that these individuals, branded as goons, used intimidation to prevent the locals from attending the hearing. Saroj Kumar Das, a local from Pipilimal, lamented that they were denied entry under the pretense that the room was already full. Das further alleged that the attendees were outsiders with no real stake in the proposed coal mine.
Deployment of Police Forces
The escalating tensions resulted in a swift response from the district administration. To prevent any potential unrest, they mobilized 25 platoons of police forces to the area. The move was seen as necessary to ensure the public hearing’s smooth proceedings and to maintain peace and order in the district.
Demands from the Locals
In response to the tense situation, the locals have voiced their demands clearly. They call for a more inclusive public hearing that allows every potential affected party, especially those from the three Panchayats who stand to lose their land, to participate in the discussions about the proposed mine. They have sternly warned Vedanta of strong resistance if their requests are not considered and their land rights not protected.
Neither the district administration nor Vedanta authorities have provided any comments regarding the unfolding situation.
