After several years of poverty and deprivation, an opportune moment has come for tribal people in Lanjigarh to change their socio-economic status. Several tribal people, who were always denied of basic rights such as health and education, welcome the recent judgment by the Supreme Court to allow mining from Niyamgiri Hills.
“The so called NGOs are serving their own interest. Where were they before five years, when there was no road, no medical facility and no education for us”, asks Dhan Majhi. Soon after Vedanta started construction of Alumina refinery, these NGOs came in and are using the names of Dongria Kondhs for their advantage, alleges Baya Majhi.
Earlier, the tribal were being exploited and were given a wage of Rs. 20 per day. People were forced to migrate to different towns in search of employment. There was school but no teacher, hospital but no doctor. However, soon after with Vedanta there is a significant change in their life. Wage rate has gone more than Rs 70 a day for unskilled jobs. No longer they need to migrate to other towns, as they can get engagement in their own village. Rather, people from other areas are migrating to work here, says Ghasi Majhi. Roads and communication facilities have improved. They can get basic health services at their doorstep. Schools and Anganwari Centres are running regularly. “We expect more such measures, once Vedanta starts mining” according to Dhan Majhi.
This educated tribal explains how the mining activities will not affect the environment. The mining activities shall be limited to the surface 10-15 metres down in selected areas in the hills. So the forest in down area will not be affected, he assures. Experts say that there wont be any significant environmental impact due to the bauxite mining. Referring to the example of mining activities in Panchpat Mali hills by NALCO, they say that No river or stream has dried up there.
“Our principles are to protect the environment, ensure safety, ensure development of the local area and ensure participation of the community”, assures Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer. As per the order of the Supreme Court 5% of the profit or 10 crore, whichever is higher shall be spent for local area development. For the purpose a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for Scheduled Area development of Lanjigarh shall be formed with the State Government, Orissa Mining Corporation and Sterlite Industries as Stakeholders. The amount shall be deposited with the SPV and the accounts shall be prepared by the OMC. The Auditor General of Orissa will audit the accounts. “Just imagine what kind of development will happen in the area with this much amount”, asks Mr. Prasanna Kumar Panda, Vice President (Mining).
Intellectuals in Kalahandi welcome the Supreme Court judgment and Vedanta’s socio-economic development initiatives. Though there exists abundant mineral resources in and around Kalahandi, the district had no big industry till date. Opposition by the activists has always foiled the attempts to establish aluminum industry, even during the pre-independence times. Vedanta is the first Company to establish such a mega Alumina Refinery in the district, which is known for its poverty and underdevelopment. Success of Vedanta can motivate other companies to set up their operation in the district and in the state.
The organizations that are crying for the Dongria kondhs wont be there, once the company goes back. However, these people will remain in the same socio-economic deprivation. These NGOs should leave us alone, says Dhan Majhi.
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