Stirs & economic blockades mar mineral rich tribal-dominated Sundargarh

Sundargarh/Bhubaneswar: The mining-rich Hemgir area of tribal-dominated Sundargarh district in Odisha is encountering an economic crisis due to ongoing blockades and agitations.

Since these disruptions are threatening the local economy, scores of experts predict further stagnation if such resistance to coal transportation from mines continues.

The impact is far-reaching as it is adversely affecting not only the heavy-duty vehicle owners employed in the booming coal transportation business, but also the labourers and their families indirectly dependent on the mining industry are bearing the brunt.

The current unrest can be traced back to June 14th of the previous year when displaced families from Jamkani, Girisima, Menda, and Jharpalan revenue villages under Hemgir block in Sundargarh district initiated a movement against mining operations.

The Jamkani coal mine, which had been closed since 2011, was initially operated by the Bhushan Company. During this period, displaced families received compensation for the land acquisition and resettlement. Subsequently, Vedanta acquired ownership through an auction and paid additional ex-gratia to the mining and displaced families.

When Vedanta reopened the mine, it initially sparked off economic momentum in the region.

The economic blockade imposed by the displaced families has effectively halted coal transportation from the mine.

Despite discussions with the district administration, the impasse continues.

The recent change of guard in the state’s politics brought in a glimmer of hope with the agitators meeting the new Chief Minister of Odisha to address the issue.