Massive protest erupts in Kalahandi: Thousands demand opening of bauxite mines to safeguard livelihoods

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 22, 2025

In a striking show of unity and rising public frustration, nearly 5,000 villagers, youth, and community leaders from Kalahandi marched peacefully through the streets today under the banner of the Lanjigarh Anchalik Vikash Parishad (LAVP), demanding the immediate opening of local bauxite mines — a move they say is critical to securing the future of over 3 lakh people whose livelihoods depend on it.

The protest, marked by passionate slogans and a sea of placards, brought together a diverse coalition of voices from across the district. Chants of “Desh ka Bauxite, Desh ka Vikas” and “Open Our Mines, Secure Our Future” echoed through Lanjigarh, as protestors urged the Odisha government to act decisively and unlock the region’s rich mineral potential.

The massive rally was led by LAVP President Sridhar Pesnia, Secretary Nirmal Samal, former Lanjigarh MLA Sibaji Majhi, prominent tribal leader Dhan Majhi, Chandra Behera (President, Truck Owners’ Association), and Rajendra Singh Deo (President, Lanjigarh Jagannath Temple Committee), along with representatives of the royal family and local youth leaders such as Himadri Pesnia, Subash Agarwal, Suresh Agarwal, and Subash Mahapatra.

Several elected representatives also joined the demonstration in solidarity, including Sanjeeb Nayak (Vice Chairman, Lanjigarh Block), Parakhita Nayak (Zilla Parishad Member), Saraswati Munda (Sarpanch, Lanjigarh), and Chancher Majhi (Sarpanch, Basantpada).

Speaking at the rally, Sridhar Pesnia made an emotional appeal: “Why are we importing bauxite from other countries when we sit atop one of the world’s richest reserves? Every day, thousands from our villages are forced to migrate in search of work. If our own mines are opened, we can stay, work, and grow right here.”

He warned that the continued delay in opening the mines could unravel two decades of progress in the region. The alumina refinery established in Lanjigarh in 2003, once seen as a catalyst for local upliftment through jobs, education, and healthcare, now struggles to operate on costly imported ore — despite the abundant reserves lying dormant in its own backyard.

For the people of Kalahandi, the issue has long outgrown economic dimensions. It is now a fight for survival, dignity, and the fundamental right to development.

A village elder, his voice trembling with emotion, said: “We have endured hunger and poverty for decades. Now, when hope is finally within reach, why must we be denied our own resources?”

The LAVP has made several representations to the state and central authorities, including letters to the Chief Minister of Odisha earlier this year in March and May, urging immediate intervention. Protestors also reiterated their demand for the long-pending Gram Sabha meeting to be convened, to democratically approve the mine opening in accordance with community rights and environmental safeguards.

India currently imports more than 4.5 million tonnes of bauxite annually, even though the country possesses over 5 billion tonnes in reserves. The import bill alone has surged from Rs 3.69 crore in 2012–13 to over Rs 2,100 crore in 2024–25 — a point the protestors highlighted as both economically unsustainable and morally unjust, especially when local communities continue to suffer from lack of employment and opportunity.

As the dust settles on today’s historic protest, one message rings clear: Kalahandi will no longer remain silent. With patience wearing thin and hope hanging by a thread, the ball is now firmly in the government’s court.