Kalahandi VillagersAppealto “Stop Imports, Start Mining”,Demand Development

• Villagersexpressed their demands forstarting local bauxite mining, ending costly imports and unlocking jobs, dignity, and development through street plays.
• Call for Convening long pending Gram Sabha

Bhubaneshwar, swa news : In a compelling display of civic expression and developmental urgency, Ratnagiri Natya Sansad from Narla, Kalahandi, staged a series of nukkadnataks(Street plays) in the villages of Ullisirka, Narla and Samarkata, urging the opening of local bauxite mines and calling for an immediate end to India’s costly dependence on imports.

Despite hosting some of the richest bauxite reserves exceeding 5 billion tonnes, globally, India continues to import 4.5 million tonnes annuallyworth of bauxite annually—while districts like Kalahandi struggle with underdevelopment. The play performances through traditional folk rhythmsemphasized that mining in Odisha, done responsibly, could drive inclusive, local-led growth.The people posed a hard question: “Why should India import bauxite worth over ₹4,000–5,000 crores every year, when Odisha alone has some of the world’s richest deposits?”

Opening the Door to Development

The performances captured the central demand of the local people foropening of mining in Kalahandi, which could be a game-changerbringing jobs, better schools and healthcare, modern infrastructure, and new entrepreneurial opportunities for tribal communities. By leaving mines idle while importing from abroad, villagers said, the region is being denied its rightful share of progress.

The plays referenced the 2008 Supreme Court judgment(Justice S.H. Kapadia), which mandated ecological safeguards and a 5% profit-share directly for local development. Citizens called for the immediate convening of the long-overdue Gram Sabha, allowing democratic participation in the decision-making process.

The message was clear, mining must begin, but with sustainability and community benefits at its core.Through this act, local people also reiterated that convening the long-pending Gram Sabha is the only way to move forward on the opening of bauxite mines. They stressed that the demand is not only an economic necessity but also a social imperative and pledged to stand united with the people of Kalahandi until a decision is taken in their favour.

After watching the street play, Sounak Sahoo, a resident of Kalahandi, said, “Kalahandi has seen significant development over the years, but we know much more is possible. If the bauxite mines are opened, our district can enter a new era of progresswith stronger infrastructure, better schools, improved healthcare, and real opportunities for our youth. Mining will not just provide livelihoods; it will bring dignity and hope to thousands of families. The government has always supported us, and with the opening of the mines, we are confident they will continue to stand by us in transforming Kalahandi into a true growth hub for Odisha and for India.”

One of the performers, Sabitri Naik, said,“For us, mining is about dignity, jobs, and keeping our children in our villages. If the Government allows mines to open with safeguards, we can build our own future instead of watching outsiders take our wealth.”

The plays ended with a resounding chorus“Apnimati ka dhan, sabkakalyan! Odisha ka bauxite, Bharat ka bhavishya!”(A pledge to open local mines, stop imports, and make Odisha the driver of India’s growth.)

The performances underscore a growing grassroots consensus that unlocking Odisha’s mineral potential can align with India’s broader development goals, provided it is done with transparency, environmental safeguards, and strong local governance. Convening the Gram Sabha and initiating responsible mining could mark a decisive step toward regional transformation and national economic strength.