POST NEWS NETWORK
Bhawanipatna, Nov 6: Panic gripped Dongria Kondhs in Niyamgiri foothills in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts after it was learnt that the state government plans to hold fresh palli sabhas to start mining in the hill.
The state government recently submitted a proposal to the Centre seeking permission to hold palli sabhas to extract bauxite from Niyamgiri hills through Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) which would ultimately be given to Vedanta to meet its raw material needs, sources said. The state government even requested the Centre to extend required legal aid to it in this connection, it added.
According to reports, heads of 162 villages close to Niyamgiri hill are assembling to protest the move by the government. They believe the state government is resolute to protect the interests of Vedanta authorities as it has been an uphill task for the latter to get raw material for its plants. They can stoop to any low to accomplish their objectives, the villagers said.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that the administration as well as the company officials have launched public relation camps in a massive scale to influence innocent tribals. The collector was often seen holding close door meets with local chiefs for hours on the pretext of discussing ways to achieve all round development.
They find it surprising that Parsali block under Kalyansinghpur block in Rayagada district which is dominated by Dongrias and Jharnias, was given electricity connection after 68 years of Independence. Rayagada collector Wednesday inaugurated a special Dongira Bazar in Parsali. All of a sudden the district administration geared up to equip foothill areas of Niyamgiri with basic amenities including health, education, communication and safe drinking water.
The state government’s Vedanta leaning was behind such generosity towards tribals, it was alleged. Resentment brewed among Kondhs after the news spread in the area.
It may be noted that 12 palli sabhas were conducted under the supervision of a district judge in 2013 on the issue of mining in Niyamgiri hills following a direction from Supreme Court. Dongrias vehemently opposed the proposal arguing that it would adversely affect tribal beliefs and culture. Then the state government put off the proposal.
However, another conspiracy is being hatched after two years to extend the hospitality to Vedanta, tribals alleged.
They would never allow excavation in Niyamgiri hills in any circumstance, Niyamgiri Surakhya Parishad president Lad Sikka said. Mining in the hill would ruin flora and fauna of the region as well as the wild lives. Besides, many rivers, nullahs and 60 waterfalls would cease to exist if OMC is allowed to raise bauxite in the hills, he said. The Dongrias would prefer to sacrifice their lives to tolerating harm to Niyamraja, Sikka warned.
The government’s decision to help Vedanta get hold of more than 75 million tonne of high grade bauxite might cost dearly, experts who have been following the issue opined.
