Land sacrificed, dreams deferred: Angul villagers allege betrayal over unfulfilled job promises at aluminium park

Residents of three villages in Odisha’s Angul district have alleged betrayal over unfulfilled promises of jobs and training linked to the aluminium park project at Tulasipala panchayat.

In 2012, around 199 acres of land were acquired in two phases by the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) for the establishment of the aluminium park. Nearly 300 families from Tulasipala, Languliabeda and Gadarkhai villages surrendered their land, reportedly in the hope of securing employment and development opportunities close to home.

Villagers claim the administration had assured training and jobs to land-losers once industries began operations.

Fourteen years later, five companies are functioning in the park. However, locals allege that neither employment nor skill training has been provided. Some residents also claimed they were threatened when they approached companies seeking jobs.

Expressing his dissatisfaction, land-loser Manoj Sahu said, “We were happy thinking the aluminium park would bring jobs and development. But now we are denied employment and are warned of police complaints if we protest. Land of nearly 400 people was taken, yet not even 10 locals are working here.”

Villagers Warn of Protest

Anger among residents has intensified, with villagers warning that they may shut down the park if their demands are not addressed.

Allegations have also emerged regarding irregularities in the proposed acquisition of an additional 254 acres in the third and fourth phases of the project.

Anirudh Sahu of Tulasipala alleged that as per the 2006 rehabilitation and resettlement policy, IDCO is required to provide employment and compensation to affected families.

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“Even after five companies started operations, we have not received any benefits. We held a meeting on February 1 and decided to submit a letter outlining our demands,” he said.

With tensions rising, villagers are awaiting a response from the administration. They have warned of intensified protests if commitments regarding employment, compensation and policy provisions remain unfulfilled.