The villagers of Talabira under Rengali tehsil sat in dharna in front of the office of the NLC protesting the company’s alleged anti-people activities and not fulfilling the legitimate demands of the villagers as promised in the MoU.
The project affected people (PAP) of the village sqatted in front of the mine No. 2 and No. 3 that affected the coal productions.
“We demand employment as per qualification to the land oustees on priority basis. At the same time, the high power blasting for coal exploration has created panic among us and we feel unsafe as cracks are developing in our houses,” said Pradeep Patra, a villager.
“We further demand blasting as per the guidelines of the mines safety department with the approved decibel of sound,” Patra and many others said further.
The villagers further demanded proper valuation of the land and homes.
However, the officials from the Government who rushed to the spot after getting information from NLC assured that there would be revaluation of the land and homes by a newly formed committee, informed Tehsildar Sunil Meher.
As a matter of regular practice, police and administrative officers assured the villagers that all their genuine demands would be fulfilled. The villagers temporarily withdrew the dharna after the assurances.