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Congress leader Jairam Ramesh (Image Internet)
New Delhi: The Congress party on Tuesday criticised the central government over ongoing protests in Odisha’s Koraput district, where villagers have raised concerns over alleged violations of forest and tribal rights linked to bauxite mining projects.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said residents are protesting against what they describe as unlawful attempts to push mining clearances despite objections under existing legal safeguards.
According to the Ramesh, Kalinga Alumina Ltd is accused of illegally diverting nearly 400 acres of forest land, over which local tribal communities claim traditional and spiritual rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
He alleged that similar disputes have been reported in Odisha’s Kalahandi and Rayagada districts, involving other mining operations as well.
The Congress leader further claimed that villagers have accused company representatives and local officials of colluding to secure gram sabha approvals through fraudulent means. He said complaints have been submitted alleging that resolutions were passed with forged signatures of residents.
Media reports from the region have also cited villagers alleging irregularities in approvals related to mining at Balda Hill in the Nageswari forest reserve.
Ramesh also criticised what he described as close links between major corporate entities and mining projects, alleging that companies involved in the region are part of a larger business network.
He urged Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, who hails from Odisha, to take note of the protests and examine why similar agitations are emerging across the state.
The allegations come amid growing tension in affected villages, while responses from the central government and the companies named in the claims are awaited.
