Nandapur: A proposal by National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) to establish a 0.5 million-tonne per annum greenfield project at Naupada in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district, using bauxite extracted from mines in Odisha, has sparked sharp reactions in the state.
Human rights activist and lawyer Anup Patra has written to the President, seeking intervention in the matter.
Pottangi MLA Rama Chandra Kadam accused the Centre of betraying Odisha and alleged that NALCO’s proposed project in Andhra Pradesh violated an agreement signed with Global Alumina during Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Kadam questioned how Odisha could benefit if its mineral resources were used to establish manufacturing facilities in neighbouring states instead of promoting industrial development within Odisha.
A delegation led by the Chief Minister had visited the UAE in September to attract investment and promote industrialisation in Odisha.
During the visit, an agreement was signed between Global Alumina and NALCO for the expansion of a project with an annual production capacity of 0.5 million metric tonnes at Anugola.
However, NALCO has reportedly moved away from the agreement and is identifying about 4,000 hectares of saline land at Naupada in Andhra Pradesh for the proposed greenfield project.
In his letter to the President, Patra questioned the rationale behind transporting mineral resources extracted from Odisha’s tribal-dominated regions to another state for industrial use.
He argued that such a move would undermine Odisha’s industrial development and deprive the state of opportunities to establish value-added manufacturing units.
Patra also expressed concern that setting up the project outside Odisha would deny the state potential revenue from value-added production and deprive local residents of employment opportunities.
He urged the President to intervene and ensure that Odisha’s mineral wealth is utilised to promote industrial growth, generate employment and benefit communities in the state.
The activist said the move violated several legal provisions, including the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Samata vs. State of Andhra Pradesh case (1996), Section 9B of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, Article 32 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and Article 1 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
He also alleged violations of international human rights standards and local agreements.
The Central and state governments have treated the undivided Koraput district primarily as a mining hub, he alleged. Kadam alleged that company authorities were reneging on commitments made during a public hearing at Champi panchayat in Laxmipur block.
Accusing the Central government of adopting a discriminatory attitude towards Odisha, Kadam said he would seek an explanation from the state government in the Assembly.