Kaliapani: The third Palli Sabha, held at Giringamalai in Kankadapal panchayat in Jajpur district Friday, approved the Odisha Mining Corporation’s proposal to convert 168.948 hectares of forest land under forest block 27 into non-forest category. The state-owned mining giant proposes to use the land as dumping yards for its Dakhina Kaliapani and Sukargangi mines.
Fifty-six villagers gave the go-ahead to OMC on the promise it would provide jobs for locals.
Sarpanch Sabita Mohant presided over the Palli Sabha where villagers raised several issues such as employment scope, drinking water facility, community halls, club halls and dams for agriculture.
OMC regional manager Bijay Kumar Behera said after opening of the mines, the local youths will be given jobs on a priority basis. He also assured the villagers that their other demands will be fulfilled in a phased manner.
PNN