KORAPUT | Jan 24, 2017: The people in the peripheral villages of Panchpatmali bauxite mine, who have been affected by the mining activities, have demanded basic facilities and employment to local youth.

The villagers also demanded that the mandatory Gram Sabha and Palli Sabha meetings be conducted for smooth extraction of bauxite with mutual consent.

A meeting held recently between villagers and Nalco DGM, Mines, Purusottam Mohanty, DGM, human Resources, SK Barik, remained inconclusive.

The villagers demanded employment to local unemployed on a priority basis, basic facilities like health, schools, road communication and safe drinking water in all the affected villages. Purusottam said, the higher officials will be apprised of the demands and steps will be taken as per their decision.

According to sources, after the company started extraction of bauxite from south block mine of Panchpatmali landslides have become common in of Bhitara Marichamala, Bhaluguda and Bhejaput. It has also affected agricultural activities.

The villagers of Litiguda, Goudaguda, Kakiriguma and those of other panchayats have been staging a demonstration since the last few days seeking fulfilment of their demands.

They alleged that frequent explosions have polluted the environment and people are suffering from health problems.

(Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/)