cancellation of all environmental and pollution clearances for Kutrumali Bauxite Mining Lease, citing violations of tribal rights, forest laws and constitutional safeguards.. Niranjan Bishi
Bhubaneswar, April 24: Niranjan Bishi, Member of Parliament, has strongly urged the Member Secretary of the State Pollution Control Board Odisha to immediately cancel all consent, environmental permissions and pending approvals relating to the proposed Kutrumali Bauxite Mining Lease in Odisha’s Scheduled Area.
In a detailed memorandum, he alleged that the mining proposal violates several constitutional, statutory and environmental safeguards meant for protection of Scheduled Tribes, forests and ecology. He pointed out that the project reportedly lacks mandatory forest clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and has proceeded without valid consent of the concerned Gram Sabhas as required under the PESA Act, 1996.
The MP further stated that the project may also violate tribal land protection provisions under the Odisha Scheduled Areas Transfer of Immovable Property Regulation, 1956. He warned that bauxite mining in ecologically sensitive hill regions would endanger forests, water sources, biodiversity, agriculture and traditional livelihood of indigenous communities.
Shri Bishi called for immediate revocation of any Consent to Establish or Consent to Operate, suspension of pending applications, an independent enquiry into alleged violations, and a complete halt on land disturbance or preparatory mining activity.
He emphasized that the matter concerns not merely a mining lease, but the rule of law, environmental justice and constitutional rights of vulnerable tribal citizens.
