Chhendipada, Aug. 19:– A public hearing on the environmental impact of the proposed Alaknanda Coal Block was held at an open ground near Kankurpal village under Chhendipada tehsil of Angul district on Tuesday, with a large number of local residents raising concerns over pollution, displacement, rehabilitation and employment.
The proposed open-cast coal mine, being developed by M/s Rungta Sons Private Limited, is spread over approximately 1,102 hectares. The hearing was organised by the Angul Regional Office of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board to record the views and objections of people likely to be affected by the project.
Angul Regional Officer Er. Ramesh Kumar and Additional District Magistrate Uday Nath Mahapatra attended the hearing and heard the concerns of the affected communities.
Residents from areas including Shalkhaman, Golagadia, Kankurpal, Badaberena and Dahibar, among others, participated in the proceedings. More than 30 affected residents placed their demands before the authorities, seeking fair land valuation, proper compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement, permanent employment, better healthcare, education and road connectivity.
A major concern raised during the hearing was the potential environmental impact of mining. Residents sought effective measures to control air and dust pollution, protect forests and water bodies, and ensure adequate compensatory plantation in areas affected by mining activities.
Several local residents also demanded that unemployed youths from the project-affected areas be given priority in employment opportunities. They stressed that development associated with the coal project should also translate into tangible benefits for the local population.
Meanwhile, some youths from Golagadia voiced apprehension that the proposed mining operation could aggravate pollution in the region. They called for strict environmental safeguards and continuous monitoring of pollution levels.
The hearing concluded peacefully. All opinions, demands and objections raised by the public were recorded through videography. The proceedings and recorded views will be forwarded to the concerned higher authorities for consideration as part of the environmental clearance process.
