Bhawanipatna/Bhubaneswar: Two MPs from Odisha have voiced serious concerns over escalating tensions linked to proposed bauxite mining operations in the Sijimali hills region spanning Rayagada and Kalahandi districts.
Malvika Devi, the BJP MP from Kalahandi, has written to Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy, drawing attention to the “ongoing disturbance” in the area and calling for a thorough review of all statutory clearances granted for the projects. In her letter, Devi emphasised that many local residents, predominantly from tribal communities, rely on the Sijimali hills for their livelihoods, sustenance, and cultural identity. She stressed that their apprehensions about potential displacement, ecological degradation, and the erosion of traditional rights must be addressed with the highest level of sensitivity.
Devi urged the Union Minister to re-examine the clearances, verify the authenticity of Gram Sabha consents, and ensure proper recognition of tribal and community forest rights alongside ecological safeguards. She described the ground situation as one requiring urgent intervention to restore public faith in democratic and administrative processes.
While acknowledging the need for development and industrialisation in the region, she insisted it must proceed only through meaningful dialogue and by winning the confidence of those impacted.
The MP revealed th
at she had discussed the matter with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who assured her of a detailed inquiry into the allegations to resolve the issues and prioritise the interests of the affected populations. Devi added that she plans to visit the area soon to engage directly with the local people.
In a parallel move, BJD Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra has appealed to National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Chairman Antar Singh Arjya to dispatch a fact-finding team to Sijimali to evaluate the situation on the ground, especially following reports of violence on the night of April 6, when tribal protesters clashed with police, leaving around 70 people injured, including 58 cops.
In his letter, Patra called for an examination of allegations regarding police excesses, the circumstances leading to the use of force against villagers, and whether established legal protections were properly followed. He highlighted reported injuries to tribal villagers, including women, as indicative of possible excessive force that demands independent scrutiny.
Patra further demanded a review of the recognition and vesting of individual and community forest rights before any project activities began. “It should also be assessed whether free, prior and informed consent of Gram Sabhas was obtained in a lawful and credible manner under PESA or if such processes had been diluted and bypassed,” he demanded.
At the heart of the conflict is a 2.98 km stretch of road, planned to connect state highway-44 to the 311 million tonne Sijimali bauxite reserve, allocated to Vedanta Limited in February 2023. The tribal communities of Kantamal and neighbouring Sagabari have been protesting road construction and mining plans over fears of displacement, ecological damage and the erosion of their way of life.