Resentment is brewing in Odisha’s Rayagada district as villagers have started coming together over the issue of bauxite mining projects.
Four bauxite mines, including those proposed for development, are situated within a distance of 80 kilometres while close to 100 villagers are up in arms against mining proposals. Alleged indiscriminate arrests of villagers and activists have made the matter worse. While Baphlimali and Kodingamali mines are presently operational, the ones in Kutrumali and Sijimali mines are yet to be developed.
According to Ganatantrik Adhikar Suraksha Sangathan (GASS), Odisha, a forum of rights activists, Rayagada Police picked up two members of Niyamgiri Surakshya Samiti on August 5 while two office-bearers of the Mali Parvat Suraksha Samiti were arrested on August 23. About nine activists were arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment (UAPA) Act, 2008.
