Koraput: Villagers of Sindrimal, Seemaguda and Doraguda under Sindrimali panchayat in Malkangiri district have opposed the administration’s move to acquire land for industrial development.
Officials said the district administration has identified around 42 acres of land to hand over to the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) for setting up industries. Authorities have also assured the villagers that locals would be given employment opportunities once industries come up. However, the villagers have refused to part with the land, claiming they have been cultivating it for several years.
“We have been depending on the land for our livelihood for a long time. No matter what is promised, we cannot give it up,” said a Seemaguda resident.
During a land identification drive by the administration near Padmagiri Chowk on Thursday, tensions flared as villagers opposed the move. “The land may be govt land on record, but it has been our only means of survival for generations,” said another villager from Doraguda.
Though officials held a discussion with the villagers, but the deadlock continues as locals remain firm on their stand against the proposed acquisition. Officials said that of the total land identified, a few acres are privately owned while the rest belong to the govt.
“We are aware of the villagers’ concerns. All grievances will be heard, and necessary action will be taken in accordance with law,” said Malkangiri collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay.
Based in Koraput, Satyanarayan Pattnaik is a journalist covering ...
Read MoreBased in Koraput, Satyanarayan Pattnaik is a journalist covering regional news with a focus on agriculture, tribal development, infrastructure, crime, and socio-political affairs. His reporting often brings attention to the challenges posed by Left Wing Extremism and highlights the voices and concerns of tribal communities. Pattnaik’s work provides critical insights into the ongoing transformation of Odisha’s tribal hinterlands.
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