Expressing concerns over the rapid depletion of Odisha’s mineral resources, civil rights activists on Sunday (February 1, 2026) alleged that the State government, under the influence of large corporate houses, was showing scant regard for laws meant to protect the interests of local communities, particularly tribals.
Environmentalist and Goldman Environmental Prize winner Prafulla Samantra said the auction process for over 40 coal mines catering to domestic and international markets was nearing completion. “In Odisha, auctions for nine coal blocks, eight in the Chhendipada area of Angul district and one in Lakhanpur in Jharsuguda district, have already concluded,” he said.
“These auctions will lead to the destruction of nearly 33,000 acres of forest and agricultural land,” Mr. Samantra alleged.
He further pointed out that permissions were being sought to mine bauxite in the Eastern Ghats, an ecologically sensitive hotspot spread across Kalahandi, Rayagada and Koraput districts.
“Maliparbat in Koraput alone has about nine million tonnes of bauxite, but it is also the source of 30 perennial streams that feed the Kolab river. Mining here threatens the livelihoods of people in 44 villages. In Pottangi, despite strong opposition from local tribals, public sector undertaking National Aluminium Company Limited has been granted a mining lease. Communities fear the drying up of springs, similar to what happened at Panchpatmali bauxite mine,” he said.
Proposed bauxite mining projects in Sijimali, Kuturumali and Sasubohumali would also turn the region into a desert, affecting nearly 150 tribal and Dalit villages, Mr. Samantra claimed.
Lingaraj, a prominent civil rights activist, said mainstream political parties were giving a cold shoulder to mining-related issues that have serious implications for the environment, livelihoods and water resources.
“Political parties appear unwilling to listen to the growing resentment on the ground. The government is facilitating mineral extraction by large corporate houses without taking a long-term view of resource sustainability,” he said. (EOM)
Published – February 02, 2026 12:22 am IST
