Koraput: Public hearing for the proposed Ballada Bauxite Mine organised by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) of Odisha concluded successfully on Thursday.
Kalinga Alumina Limited has been allocated the Ballada Bauxite Block in Koraput district covering 144.945 hectares. The project involves open cast mining of bauxite with a capacity of 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and an 800 tonnes per hour (TPH) crusher/screening plant at the pit head.
Villagers from neighbouring Bheja, Ballada, Badel, Atanda, and Kulabir Gram Panchayats of Nandapur Tehsil attended the public hearing, which concluded in the afternoon, a company release said.
Dipesh Biswal, Regional Officer of the State Pollution Control Board, Koraput, and Alomani Sethy, Additional District Magistrate (ADM), chaired the meeting. During the meeting, villagers engaged in discussions regarding environmental impact, regional development, job creation, and self-employment opportunities. Officials and dignitaries took note of their submissions and addressed the queries emphasizing the project’s potential to bring new development and employment prospects to the area.
Kalinga Alumina officials provided comprehensive information about the project and the expected benefits for the region in a detailed presentation. They extended his gratitude to all villagers, administrative officials, stakeholders, and everyone involved in organizing the public hearing.
The proposed project is poised to contribute significantly to the developmental needs of the state while addressing the nation’s need for bauxite. It will support the government’s efforts to enhance growth indices, including employment and promote ‘Make in India’.
Furthermore, the revenue generated from mining is expected to be reinvested by the State government in further developmental initiatives. Notably, the project will stimulate economic development in the state.
The proposed mine is projected to generate approximately 300-400 direct and indirect employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled individuals. The project prioritizes the recruitment of local residents for various mining activities.
Emphasis will be placed on providing employment opportunities to Scheduled Tribe families, including women, thereby enhancing the socio-economic status of the local population. The mining activity is expected to have a positive impact on the social and economic conditions of the area by providing employment, increasing per capita income, and improving housing, education, medical, transportation, and agricultural facilities, the release added.
