Adani Group acquires land near Gandhamardan hills, reviving fears of bauxite mining and ecological harm in Odisha’s sensitive zone.
Balangir/Bargarh, Odisha : The Adani Group has acquired 18.39 acres of land at the foothills of the Gandhamardan hills, situated along the border of Balangir and Bargarh districts. The land was purchased under the corporate entity Mahanadi Mines and Minerals Private Limited, an affiliate of the Ahmedabad-based Adani Corporate House. The acquisition has sparked widespread debate, with the land registration details going viral on social media platforms.
Rich Bauxite Reserves Raise Concerns
The Gandhamardan hills are renowned for their vast bauxite deposits. In the 1980s, the Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) attempted to mine bauxite in the area but faced vehement opposition from local communities and environmental activists. The protests, which lasted from 1983 to 1991, ultimately forced BALCO to abandon its plans. With the Adani Group's recent land acquisition, similar concerns have re-emerged, reigniting fears of large-scale mining and its environmental impact.
Land Acquisition Details
The purchased land is located in the Bharuamunda village under Khaprakhol tehsil in Balangir district. According to official records, the 18.39 acres of land, categorized as "rayati" (private agricultural land), comprises 24 distinct plots with various classifications. Reports suggest that the Adani Group may have acquired additional land in the surrounding areas under different names, though these claims remain unverified.
The deal comes amidst ongoing developmental projects in the region, including the greenlighting of the Bargarh-Nuapada railway line and plans to construct an airstrip at Patnagarh. Observers speculate these initiatives may facilitate mining activities, further fueling local unease.
Local Opposition Gathers Steam
As news of the land acquisition spreads, several environmental groups, tribal organizations, and social activists have voiced their apprehensions. Many question the Adani Group’s intentions, alleging that the purchase could pave the way for bauxite mining in the ecologically sensitive Gandhamardan hills.
“The hills are not just a natural resource; they hold cultural, ecological, and religious significance. Any attempt to exploit them for mining purposes will face stiff resistance,” said a local environmentalist.
Cultural and Biodiversity Importance
The Gandhamardan hills hold deep cultural and religious value, hosting two revered pilgrimage sites—Harishankar on the Balangir side and Nrusinghanath on the Bargarh side. These temples attract thousands of devotees annually, especially during the Vaishakhi fair.
In 2023, the Harishankar region was declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site, recognizing its rich flora and fauna, including rare plants, herbs, and reptiles. Activists argue that mining operations could irreversibly damage this fragile ecosystem.
Compensatory Afforestation Plan Underway
To address environmental concerns, the Adani Group has been granted approval by the Forest Department to carry out compensatory afforestation in the Harishankar range. According to a letter from the department (No. 8526/18-10-2024), the company has secured land in the area for tree plantation. However, critics argue that afforestation efforts cannot compensate for the ecological damage caused by mining.
Historical Precedent of Resistance
The Adani Group’s entry into the region has drawn parallels with BALCO’s failed attempt to mine bauxite in Gandhamardan. During the 1980s, large-scale protests involving thousands of local tribal and non-tribal residents successfully thwarted mining operations. The movement, widely known as the “Balco Hatao Andolan,” remains a significant chapter in Odisha's environmental activism.
Government Urged to Act Decisively
As the controversy intensifies, many believe that anti-development organizations are exploiting the issue to disrupt Odisha’s industrial progress. Critics urge the state government to take a proactive stance, ensuring that genuine developmental activities are not derailed while addressing valid environmental and social concerns.
Looking Ahead
The Adani Group’s land acquisition near the Gandhamardan hills has undoubtedly revived a decades-old debate over the balance between development and environmental conservation. Whether this move translates into industrial progress or sparks another prolonged struggle remains to be seen. For now, the hills stand as a testament to Odisha’s complex relationship with natural resources and industrial growth.
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