Devbrat Patnaik

Angul: Launching protest against MCL, a subsidiary of Coal India, the residents of Danara village have staged an indefinite dharna outside the office of Hingula GM in Angul district demanding proper rehabilitation and employment for the displaced people.

As per the allegations, over 80 per cent of the land in Danara village was acquired by MCL for operations in Balram and Bharatpur coal mines. Sources said as per Odisha’s Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy the locals were also compensated for the land acquired by the company under Coal Bearing (Acquisition and Development) Act.

However, it is being alleged that no steps were taken for 'proper settlement' of these people which has forced them to reside in a polluted and hazardous atmosphere.

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Further, the villagers alleged that after the expansion of Balram coal mines, the truck owners and labourers are now deprived of employment due to a dispute.

“The vehicles are lying unused for last five months which is why all drivers and owners are sitting idle due to unemployment,” said Tirthabasi Sahu, Secretary of Danara village.

While the villagers are adamant over demands of fulfilment of written assurance early given by the MCL, the authorities could not be contacted in this matter.

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