Balada bauxite mining project under pressure; Environmental clearance opposed by local protestants

Tensions ran high on Thursday as a public hearing for the proposed Balada bauxite mining project in Nandapur block witnessed strong opposition from local villagers. The meeting, orchestrated by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) in line with Ministry of Forest and Environment guidelines, aimed to gather feedback on the environmental impact of the project. But, the villagers’ message was loud and clear: No to mining.

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The hearing, which was presided over by Additional District Magistrate Alomani Sethi and OSPCB Regional Officer Dipesh Biswal, drew participation from residents of five panchayats — Balda, Bheja, Kulwbir, Atanda, and Badel, representing 30 villages. However, the crowd was less interested in negotiations and more focused on voicing their concern.

The proposed mining site spans 2 acres and 48 cents of land in Bheja Mouza, with Kalinga Aluminium Company Limited — a unit of the Adani Group — applying for environmental clearance. However, villagers fear the project will wreak havoc on the region's environment and jeopardise their livelihoods.

“Freedom fighter Sahid Laxman Nayak sacrificed his life for independence, and we are ready to do the same for Nageswari Hill,” declared Sambaru Sisa of Badel Panchayat, his words striking an emotional chord with the crowd. “This mountain is not just land — it’s our heritage, our spirit.”

Throughout the hearing, around 30 spoken testimonies were recorded, the majority heavily opposing the environmental clearance. Adding to the controversy, Ajay Muduli, a youth from Taintar village, alleged procedural lapses. “We have an emotional and spiritual attachment to the mountain,” he claimed.

Anticipating unrest, authorities deployed 30 police platoons, 100 police personnel, and seven magistrates to maintain order. Despite the heavy security, the event ended in simmering resentment rather than violence.

While officials maintained that the hearing adhered to all necessary guidelines, the villagers left the venue feeling unheard and defiant. The battle over Balada’s bauxite is far from over — with the local residents vowing to resist mining Nageswari Hill at any cost.

Information credit: New Indian Express