Locals demand jobs in Rs 400-crore coal mining project

Over 300 villagers of ten villages affected by the Rs 400-crore Gopalprasad Open Cast coal mine project have demanded suitable compensation for their lands.

They have also called for putting in place a proper rehabilitation policy to enable the land oustees to get job in the coal mining project. Demands related to environmental protection were also raised.

These demands were discussed in a public meeting held at Kankerei village near here. The 15 million tonne per annum coal mining project is being taken up jointly by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), Jindal Steel and Power Limited, Shyam DRI Power Limited and JSL (formerly Jindal Stainless Limited).

Each project is mandated to hold a public consultation meeting with the locals on the environmental hazards before it is recommended for environmental clearance by the government.

Anupam Behera, regional officer of the Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) and G Dehury, general manager (Talcher Coalfields) under MCL were present at the meeting. Dehury assured the villagers that the Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) policy of the Orissa government will be followed in letter and spirit in terms of offering compensation and jobs for the coal mining project.