ST Commission Summons Collector Of Odisha’s Rayagada

Rayagada: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has summoned the district Collector of Rayagada in Odisha to appear before it and inform about action taken on alleged pollution due to transportation of bauxite by a private company near a village.

The Commission issued the summons following a petition by the residents of Dimundi village near Utkal Alumina plant alleging that bauxite being transported by conveyor belt to the factory was causing severe pollution in the area.

Commission member Ananta Nayak has voiced displeasure over lack of response from the authorities though three notices were issued between July and October this year to the district Collector, CEO of the company and officials of Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSCPB).

When contacted, Rayagada Collector Swadha Dev Singh declined to comment on the issue.

As the residents of Dimundi had opposed acquisition of land for the project, the company did not acquire land in the village and constructed a wall nearby.

However, the petitioners alleged that transportation of bauxite by the conveyor belt was causing severe pollution in the area where the air gets filled with dust and smoke in the area.

After repeated requests to the district administration, elected representatives and even the Chief Minister for remedial steps went unheeded, they approached the NCST which issued a notice to the district Collector on July 19.

As there was no response, the Commission issued two more notices to the Collector as well as CEO of Utkal Alumina and OCPCB member for appearance before it. While nobody appeared before the panel, a company counsel made a submission before it.

Meanwhile, a 12-member delegation form the village met Commission member Ananta Nayak and apprised him about the issue.