Odisha Channel Bureau
Bhubaneswar: The public hearing for environment clearance for Pottangi bauxite mines allotted to the National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) was held successfully in Koraout district on Tuesday.
Thousands of villagers from periphery villages of Pottangi block attended the meeting held by the district administration. The villagers, while putting forth their demands, favourably voiced support for NALCO to carry out mining and developmental activities.
With significant participation of villagers, the meeting was conducted smoothly in presence of large number of public representatives, present and past members of Parliament of Koraput and others, who shared their views. Deben Kumar Pradhan, Additional District Magistrate of Koraput presided over the meeting.
Outlining on the various developmental activities being undertaken by NALCO exclusively for development of Pottangi block, the officials of the company also shared on the occasion, the details of 31 developmental projects being executed under CSR at an estimated cost of Rs.12 crore.
It was informed that there would be no displacement under this mining activity and the company would implement modern technology and adopt sustainable mining practices with effective environment management.
Worth mentioning that, over the years the existing Panchpatmali bauxite mines of NALCO has been widely recognised for afforestation, reclamation and environment protection measures.
So far, the company has taken up plantation of more than 80 lakh saplings. The Panchpatmali bauxite mines has also been accorded 5 star rating by Union Ministry of Mines for implementation of sustainable development framework and many awards from Indian Bureau of Mines.
Besides, NALCO has successfully addressed the development and welfare of the community residing in the periphery villages through activities like healthcare and education initiatives and infrastructure development.
As of now, NALCO is using the bauxite from its Panchpatmali mines to feed stock to its refinery. For the company’s expansion plans this additional source of bauxite is essential.
The production capacity of bauxite from proposed Pottangi mine is 3.5 MTPA. With the grant of mining lease, it will hugely benefit and contribute for the development of Pottangi and adjoining areas.
Apart from infrastructure development, opening up of new business establishments, public services, it will also facilitate direct and indirect employment to the local youth.
