Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly witnessed heated debate on Wednesday over the Adani Group’s acquisition of land near the ecologically and culturally significant Gandhamardan hills in Balangir district.
During the Zero Hour the Opposition raised concern about potential mining activities in the area, sparking a clash between the ruling BJP and opposition BJD.
Senior BJD MLA and Deputy Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya questioned the government about granting permission for bauxite mining to the Adani Group. Acharya recalled a similar attempt in 1980 that faced fierce public opposition due to the region’s environmental and religious significance.
Responding sharply, Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo dismissed the accusations, clarifying that the land purchase was approved during the previous government’s tenure and not under the current BJP administration. Singh Deo reassured the House that the BJP government is firmly against mining in Gandhamardan.
“Gandhamardan will not be destroyed under our watch,” Singh Deo declared, even pledging to join public protests if any mining operation is approved.
The controversy has fueled public apprehensions in Balangir and Bargarh districts, with locals worried about the ecological and cultural exploitation of the sacred hills, which are rich in bauxite reserves.
