A public hearing meeting was held at Barbil for environmental clearance for mining in Laserda-Pacheri manganese and iron mines situated in the villages of Dhanurjayapur, Kandara and Laserda under Barbil Tehsil in Keonjhar district.
At the outset, company officers presented the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) / Environment Management Plan (EMP). Then the villagers from the affected areas participated in the public hearing and put forth their opinions.
Sources revealed that a total 71 villagers spoke in favour of opening the mines. However, they demanded employment for local youths and CSR activities like education, health and communication, apart from a pollution-free environment.
Mines Manager and GM of Triveni Earth Movers Pralayananda Behera read the summary statement and also assured the public to look after their demands. ADM, Keonjhar Yadumani Mahala presided over the meeting while it was coordinated by Regional Pollution Control Officer, Keonjhar PK Kar.