Odisha Govt stands firm on mining ban in Gandhamardan Hills

Odisha Government is quite firm on its stance against authorising any mining operations in Gandhamardan hills. No such illegal activity will ever be entertained, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said on Wednesday.

This decisive announcement followed a heated debate in the Legislative Assembly between members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) during the Zero Hour.

Also Read: 'Land purchase' by Adani Group near Gandhamardan Hills sparks row

In the Winter Session marked by intense debate, Deputy Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya expressed concerns about alleged land acquisition by the Adani Group in close proximity to the Gandhamardan hills. The BJD leader highlighted global criticism faced by the company and questioned whether the State government had permitted the land purchases.

“A multi-national company of the country who has earned an ill reputation from across the globe has been acquiring thousands of acres of land there (Gandhamardan hills). My question is who authorised the company to purchase the land,” the BJD leader said in a presser.

“How long this Government will pull on like this by blaming the previous government for everything. If at all any mistake was committed by the previous government as being claimed, then, this government has the power to rectify it. Why the Government is not doing so?” BJD leader Acharya questioned.

“We hope that the commitment given by this government on the floor of the House will be adhered to. The Government will keep its word,” the BJD leader added.

Must Read: Opposition aligns efforts to corner ruling BJP during Odisha Assembly Winter Session

Responding to these allegations, Deputy CM Singh Deo clarified that any land acquisition by the Adani Group had been sanctioned by the previous BJD government. “If any allegation of mining comes in the future, I assure Prasanna Babu to stand with him opposing the illegal activity,” the Deputy CM asserted.

Furthermore, Odisha's Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari assured that there are currently no proposals for mining in the Gandhamardan region.