Bhawanipatna, swa news : In a concerted push for the socio-economic revival of Kalahandi and Rayagada districts in Odisha, local leaders under the banner of LanjigarhAnchalika Vikas Parishad submitted a formal representation to key area MLAs, urging the immediate opening of the bauxite mines in Lanjigarh. The delegation called for unlocking the region’s vast mineral potential in a responsible manner, with full community participation, to spur inclusive development, generate employment, and attract critical investments in one of Odisha’s most underdeveloped regions.
The memorandum submitted to Shri SagarCharan Das (MLA, Bhawanipatna), Shri Sudhir RanjanPattjoshi (MLA, Dharamgarh), and Shri Pradeep Kumar Dishari (MLA, Lanjigarh) underscored the urgency of initiating the Gram Sabha process for opening the bauxite mines without further delay. Around 35 prominent leaders from Kalahandi and Rayagada were present, including:
- Shri Sridhara Pesnia, President, LanjigarhAnchalika Vikas Parishad (who led the delegation)
- Smt. Kamala Patra, Chairperson, Lanjigarh block
- Shri Sanjib KumarNayak,Vice Chairman Lanjigarh Block
- Shri Nirmal Samal, Secretary, LanjigarhAnchalika Vikas Parishad
- Shri Chandra Pesnia and Shri Suresh Agarwal, senior local representatives
- Shri Parakhita Naik, Zila Parishad Member
- Shri Dhan Majhi,local leader
- Shri Maheswara Pati, Treasurer, LanjigarhAnchalika Vikas Parishad
Members of local communities including Shri Hari Majhi, Shri Patra Majhi, Shri Dasharath Majhi, Shri Susant Majhi, Shri Raghunath Pani,Shri Satrughana Challan, Rabi Dandasena and others.
Shri Pradeep Kumar Dishari, MLA, Lanjigarh, remarked, “Being the MLA of Lanjigarh, my prime responsibility is to take care of the Lanjigarh residents, and we are always there for the people of Lanjigarh & Kalahandi. We are for industrialization. Industries work at the grassroot level for the development of the community. We will take up this issue with the government of Odisha for the continuous supply of bauxite to Vedanta plant at Lanjigarh for smooth and continuous production at its plant. We will raise the issues at all levels for the greater development of the people of Lanjigarh and nearby areas”.
Shri Sudhir Ranjan Pattjoshi, MLA, Dharamgarh, added, “It is a policy matter, and I am sure that Odisha government will take necessary steps for the same. We will schedule a meeting with the Hon’ble Minister of Mines &Hon’ble Chief Minister to bring this topic to their attention at government level. As stated by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, we are on the path of Viksit Bharat and industries have a key role in Viksit Bharat andViksit Odisha.”
Shri Sagar Charan Das, MLA, Bhawanipatna, accepted the petition of the local people and reiterated his support to the local people. He said, “Whatever our people decide, we will be with them, and we will support them.”
The delegation cited the establishment of the alumina refinery in Lanjigarh in 2003 as a pivotal moment in the region’s development journey. Since its inception, the facility has served as an economic lifeline for thousands of families, particularly from communities like the Dongria and Kutia Kondhs. The refinery has driven infrastructure improvements and economic inclusion across the region.
In a letter to MLA Pradeep Kumar Dishari, Sridhara Pesnia stated, “The alumina refinery at Lanjigarh stands as the backbone of our local economy. Expanding this facility through responsible bauxite mining and with the active involvement of Gram Sabhas will not only improve livelihoods but also catalyse sustainable growth across Odisha.”
The leaders stressed that proactive support from the Odisha state government is essential to realise this vision. They urged the government to initiate the Gram Sabha process swiftly and transparently, ensuring that mining activities are carried out with the highest environmental and social standards while protecting tribal rights.
This appeal aligns with the state’s developmental priorities under the ‘Make in Odisha’ vision and its focus on uplifting under-served regions through inclusive and investment-led strategies. The leaders also emphasised the importance of transparent procedures and fair compensation measures to ensure that the benefits of mining are equitably shared.
The delegation expressed hope that Lanjigarh could become a model for mineral-led, community-driven development setting a benchmark for other regions in India. The LanjigarhAnchalika Vikas Parisad reaffirmed its commitment to continuing constructive engagement with the government, industry, and civil society to transform Odisha’s mineral wealth into long-term socio-economic progress for all.
+ There are no comments
Add yours