Bhubaneswar,swa news : In an unprecedented outpouring of frustration and despair, around 5,000 distressed villagers, youth, and community leaders from Kalahandi took to the streets today for a protest under the banner of Lanjigarh Anchalik Vikash Parishad (LAVP). The demonstrators staged a massive peaceful protest, demanding the immediate opening of local bauxite mines to secure the future of over 3 lakh locals’ livelihoods tied to it.The rally was led by Sridhar Pesnia, President-LAVP, Nirmal Samal- Secretary-LAVP, Sibaji Majhi, Ex- MLA, Lanjigarh, Dhan Majhi, Tribal Leader, Chandra Behera, President of Truck Owners’ Association, Rajendra Singh Deo, President-Lanjigarh Jagannath Temple Committee, and royal family representatives and local youth leaders- Himadri Pesnia, Subash Agarwal, Suresh Agarwal and Subash Mahapatra.
In addition, people’s representatives including Sanjeeb Nayak – Vice Chairman, Lanjigarh Block, Parakhita Nayak –Member-Zilla Parishad, Saraswati Munda – Sarpanch, Lanjigarh, and Chancher Majhi, Sarpanch, Basantpada participated in the rally. The protestors voiced strong opposition to India’s continued reliance on imported bauxite, despite the country’s vast domestic reserves.
The protestors were chanting slogans of “Desh ka Bauxite, Desh ka Vikas” and “Open Our Mines, Secure Our Future”,urging the Odisha government to act swiftly in unlocking the region’s mineral wealth for local development. They carried placards that echoed the collective cry of a region pushed to the brink. For the people of Kalahandi, the issue is no longer about minerals alone, it is about survival, dignity, and the right to development.
“Why are we bringing bauxite from outside despite having one of the world’s largest reservesin the region? Every day, thousands of us leave our villages to search for jobs outside. If our own bauxite is mined, we can work here, live here, and build our future here,” said Sridhar Pesnia, President of LAVP.
He warned that continued inaction will undo two decades of progress in Kalahandi. The alumina refinery, set up in 2003, has been a beacon of transformation—uplifting communities through jobs, education, healthcare, and better incomes. Yet, despite abundant reserves, it runs on imported ore, driving up national costs and leaving local aspirations in tatters. The LAVP has made multiple representations to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha and national authorities, most recently in March and May this year.
“Our villages are drowning in despair. Kalahandi has fought decades of hunger and poverty. Now, when hope stands before us, why should we be denied our own resources?” said a visibly distressed village elder.
They also reiterated their earlier call to convene the long pending Gram Sabha meeting to open the bauxite mines and stressed that allowing access to these reserves, with proper community participation and safeguards, would boost local employment.
India currently imports over 4.5 million tonnes of bauxite annually, even though it holds more than 5 billion tonnes in reserves. The import bill has surged from ₹369 lakh in 2012-13 to over ₹2100 crores in 2024-25. Protesters argue that this is no longer just an economic issue but has become a social and developmental one.
+ There are no comments
Add yours