The dharna launched by the tribal villagers of D Koral and Dimundi of Kashipur area in Rayagada district at the Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar entered the 10th day on Tuesday. They are determined to continue their sit-in until their demands are heard and they are given justice.
In 1996, Utkal Alumina acquired land in the Kashipur area for its plant. The land of the residents of D Koral and Dimundi was also acquired. The agitating villagers alleged the company and the government had acquired their land by giving false promises. None of the promises they had made were fulfilled.
They also alleged that their villages haven’t been declared as displaced villages. They demanded their villages be declared as displaced ones and suitable compensation be given to them. Or else, they demanded the return of the acquired land.
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“In 1996, the government acquired our land and handed it over to Utkal Alumina for its plant. The promises made by the company and the government then are yet to be fulfilled. With no option left, we have resorted to launch a dharna,” said an agitating villager.
“Dimundi village is close to the company’s boundary wall. They are suffering from harmful consequences of air and water pollution,” said another agitating villager.
No comments have been received from the concerned authorities.