Kalinganagar displaced families sit on dharna over long-standing demands

Displaced families launched a dramatic protest by sitting on dharna with a dead body in front of the main gate of the Tata factory at the Kalinganagar Industrial Area on Sunday in Odisha’s Jajpur district. The agitation began yesterday and continued for the second day today as the families demanded necessary compensation under the rehabilitation policy.

The protest follows the death of a woman from Gadapur village, who had been residing in Gobarghati Colony No. 1 within the industrial zone. Her death has triggered anger among the displaced families, who allege long-standing neglect and denial of rightful benefits.

Allegations of Rehabilitation Failure

According to the protesters, the deceased woman’s family had lost their land for the establishment of the industrial plant. However, despite the land acquisition, they claim the family did not receive any benefits under the rehabilitation and resettlement policy.

As a result, the family was reportedly deprived of compensation, leaving them economically vulnerable. The protesters insist that the death highlights the consequences of ignoring displaced families and failing to implement promised policies.

“One of our displaced members has passed away. We are demanding the compensation that she was entitled to as a displaced woman but was never given. The Additional District Magistrate and representatives of the Tata factory have come here, and we held discussions with them. According to the ADM, her name did not appear in the 2005 list. However, it is surprising that her name was included in the 1996 list. This raises a serious question: if her name was recorded at that time, why was she not recognised as displaced and provided compensation?” said Babuli, member of displaced family.

Talks with Officials Remain Inconclusive

Senior district officials, including the Additional District Magistrate of Kalinganagar, reached the protest site and attempted to hold discussions with the agitating families. Despite prolonged efforts to persuade them, the talks failed to yield any positive outcome.

The protesters have remained firm, stating they will continue their agitation until compensation is provided as per rehabilitation norms.

The protest at Kalinganagar underscores the deep-rooted grievances of displaced families who allege exclusion from rehabilitation benefits. As negotiations remain stalled, the situation reflects the urgent need for effective resolution to ensure justice, dignity, and accountability for those affected by industrial expansion.