Kalahandi tribals appeal Odisha CM to conduct gram sabha for Lanjigarh bauxite mine to boost regional development

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, MARCH 7, 2025

Tribal communities and residents of Kalahandi have made a fervent appeal to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for the immediate conduct of a gram sabha for the Lanjigarh Bauxite Mine, stressing its crucial role in the socio-economic development of the region.

A delegation from the Lanjigarh Anchalika Vikas Parishad, a local organization focused on the advancement of the area, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, urging swift action on this long-pending matter. They emphasized that despite Kalahandi possessing some of the world’s finest bauxite reserves, the district has yet to experience the level of industrialization and progress seen in neighboring regions.

The lack of industries, particularly in the Trilochanpur region, has resulted in poor infrastructure, minimal employment opportunities, and stagnant economic growth. In contrast, industrialized regions in Rayagada and Koraput have witnessed significant improvements in living standards, job creation, and overall economic upliftment due to active bauxite mining.

The gram sabha for the Lanjigarh Bauxite Mine has remained pending for 21 years, depriving the region of essential benefits. The absence of mining operations has also meant the loss of the 5% development fund, which could have been used to enhance infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Thousands of indigenous people, including the Dongria and Kutia Kondh tribes, continue to struggle with unemployment and generational poverty, despite residing in a resource-rich area.

Expressing concern over Kalahandi’s stagnation, the delegation highlighted that while neighboring districts have prospered due to industrial development, Kalahandi remains among the most underdeveloped regions of Odisha. The delay in operationalizing the Lanjigarh Bauxite Mine has held back progress for over three decades.

With the vision of ‘Viksit Odisha’ under the leadership of the new double-engine progressive government, tribal communities and residents remain hopeful that their demands will be met. They anticipate a decisive step to convene the gram sabha and kickstart mining operations, paving the way for employment, infrastructure growth, and long-overdue economic prosperity for Kalahandi.