Successful Public Hearing Concludes for Ballada Bauxite Mine Project Nandapur,   Odisha

Koraput :   The   public   hearing   for   the   proposed   Ballada   Bauxite   Mine, organized   by   the   Pollution   Control   Board,   Odisha,   concluded   successfully   on Thursday. Kalinga Alumina Limited has been allocated the Ballada Bauxite Block in Koraput district, Odisha, covering 144.945 hectares. The project involves open cast  mining of bauxite with a capacity of 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and an 800 tonnes per hour (TPH) crusher/screening plant at the pit head.

Thousands  of villagers from the neighbouring Bheja, Ballada, Badel, Atanda, and Kulabir Gram Panchayats of the Nandapur Tehsil attended the public hearing, which commenced   at   11:00   AM   and   concluded   at   approximately  2:45   PM.  Mr   Dipesh Biswal,  Regional   Officer   of   the   State   Pollution   Control   Board,   Koraput,   and  Ms. Alomani Sethy, the Additional District Magistrate, chaired the meeting.During   the   meeting,   villagers   engaged   in   discussions   regarding   environmental impact,   regional   development,   job   creation,   and   self-employment   opportunities. Officials and dignitaries took note of their submissions and addressed the queries emphasizing   the   project’s  potential   to  bring   new  development   and   employment prospects to the area.

Kalinga   Alumina   officials  provided   comprehensive   information   about   the   Ballada Project and the anticipated benefits for the region in a detailed presentation. He extended   his   gratitude  to  all  villagers,  administrative  officials,  stakeholders,  and everyone involved in organizing the public hearing.The   proposed   project   is   poised   to   contribute   significantly   to   the   developmental needs of the state while addressing the nation’s need for bauxite. It will support the government’s   efforts   to   enhance   growth   indices,   including   employment   and promote   ‘Make   in   India’.   Furthermore,   the   revenue   generated   from   mining   is expected   to   be   reinvested   by   the   State   Government   in   further   developmental initiatives.

Notably, the project will stimulate economic development in the state.The   proposed   mine   is   projected   to   generate   approximately   300-400   direct   and indirect  employment  opportunities  for both  skilled  and   unskilled  individuals.  The project prioritizes  the  recruitment   of  local  residents  for  various  mining  activities. Emphasis will be placed on providing employment opportunities to Scheduled Tribe families, including women, thereby enhancing the socio-economic status of the local population. The mining activity is expected to have a positive impact on the social and   economic   conditions   of   the   area   by   providing   employment,   increasing   per capita   income,   and   improving   housing,   education,   medical,   transportation,   and agricultural facilities.