Rayagada: In yet another setback to Vedanta Aluminium Ltd's plans to source bauxite from Niyamgiri hills, villagers of Kesarpadi in Rayagada district unanimously disapproved the proposed mining project at the second palli sabha, claiming community and religious rights over the entire hill range.
At the second palli sabha meeting too, the Dongaria Kondhs of Kesarpadi under Muniguda block articulated the same view as those of their counterparts of Serkapadi. Of the 36 eligible voters of the village, 33 inclusive of 23 eligible female members, turned up for the decisive meeting, the start of which was delayed by 40 minutes due to heavy rains.
Before the commencement of the palli sabha, the Dongarias clad in their traditional attire, were seen shouting slogans in favour of preserving Niyamgiri hills and vowed to protect the hills at any cost. The meeting was presided over by ward member Siram Garadia in the presence of Rayagada district judge Sarat Chandra Mishra who oversaw the proceedings.
The proposal to mine bauxite atop Niyamgiri hills had received a big jolt at the maiden people's council meeting held at Serkapadi last Thursday when 38 eligible voters of the village opposed the move.
No comments:
Post a Comment