Oram advocates zero displacement while setting up projects

Advocating zero displacement and zero harm to environment while setting up projects, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram today said he would present his views on the proposed iron ore mining at Khandadhar hill in Odisha's Sundargarh district to the Centre.
"My stand on mining in Khandadhar remains unchanged... I am against any project that can harm natural environment or cause displacement of people," Oram told reporters here during a two-day visit to the state.
Stating that he was in favour of zero displacement of people and zero harm to natural heritage, the firebrand tribal leader said if necessary, he would present his views on proposed mining of iron ore in Khandadhar by POSCO to the concerned Union Ministries.

Oram has been opposing any move to allow iron ore mining in Khandadhar, pleading that the area is rich in bio-diversity. Large-scale mining activity would lead to the displacement of locals besides destroying the livelihood and water sources of the tribal population, he says.
The Union minister further said that return of several families, who had been put up at transit camp near proposed POSCO steel project in Jagatsinghpur district, to their homes showed even pro-POSCO people were getting disillusioned.
The 53-year-old tribal leader said he would explain to the concerned Central ministries about the importance of Khandadhar waterfall and the adverse impact that mining activities could have on the picturesque hill.

On Polavaram multipurpose project, Oram said Odisha government has been unable to raise the issue effectively for the state's interests, though the dam is set to affect a large number of people in the state.

He said the Centre would back any step by Odisha government that aims at safeguarding the interest of the state and its people.
Regarding Maoist menace in tribal dominated areas, the Union Minister said concrete steps should be taken to raise participation of tribals in all activities and bring them close to the social mainstream.
Benefits of development and different welfare schemes must reach the tribal population to keep them away from Left Wing Extremism (LWE), Oram said.