With an aim to oppose Posco’s proposed mining activity in the Khandadhar hills and gain increasing public support, a protest march will be carried out from the Khandadhar area and a public meeting will be held at Budabhin on Thursday.
This was declared by lokjanshakti Abhiyan president Prafulla Samantra at a Press meet here on Tuesday.
“If Posco is allowed to carry out mining activities in Khandadhar, it will affect the 244 feet high waterfall with the result that its water discharge will stop and the nearby area will be deserted,” said Samantra.
The State Government on August 26, 2008 had admitted that the iron reserve in the hills may be completely exhausted in 25 years. So allowing mining in the hills means destroying the hills, which should not happen at any cost, Samantara said.
Khandadhar is not only associated with the religious and cultural life of the tribals, but its waterfall is a source of water for cultivation and other needs of the local inhabitants throughout the year. The destruction of the hills would also affect rivers like Brahmani and Baitarani, which may get dry as well, apprehended Samantra.
Besides, while the iron ore cost at Khandadhar is around Rs 9,000 per tonnne, the State Government has agreed for a price of as less as Rs 900 per tone, said Samantara.
MlAs of Bonai, Biramitrapur, Talsara and leaders and activists of the Gandhamardhan Bachao Andolan are scheduled to join the event.