Bhubaneswar: Activist Prafulla samantara and others on Friday urged the state government to stop the auction of new mines in seven virgin forests, including Gandhalpara and Karlapat. He demanded protection of virgin forests for inter-generational equality and justice. He also suggested that the government should conduct an in-depth study on the impacts of mining in these areas.
Samantara, President Lok Shakti AbhiyanMore than 4000 acres of lush green forest in Gandhalpara, Karlapat said, Netrabandh Pahadhandjob Dholta Pahad, Jumke Pathriposhi Pahad, chandiposh If the state allows mining in these areas, the mines of Punibahal will be destroyed. He said that this would also affect the livelihood of thousands of tribal families and forest dwellers.
“Six out of seven virgin mines have iron ore. There is no immediate need for iron ore for industries in the state as they have private mines for steel production. These auctions will leave future generations resourceless to hand over resources at a cheaper rate to private companies to sell it in the open market for profit. There should be a ban on the sale of iron ore in the open market, Samantara said.
He said the government gets only a small royalty from the sale of iron ore or bauxite instead of the huge market price. “We cannot allow the government to end everything at an affordable cost as a gift of nature without thinking about the future generations,” he said.
Vishwajit Mohanty, Secretary Odisha Wildlife SocietySaid that Karlapat forest in Kalahandi district has more than 300 perennial streams and deep forest with vast flora and fauna. It has various wildlife animals like elephants. Thousands of families of forest dwellers including Kutia Kandh tribals depend on this forest for their livelihood.
“The state government has pushed State Wildlife Board To reduce the area of Wildlife Sanctuary in Karlapat Forest to get environment clearance easily. It is undemocratic and illegal. We demand a ban on mining in these virgin forests.
Kiran Kumar Sahu, president of Keonjhar Citizens Forum, said that the Gandhalpada forest in Keonjhar district has more than nine lakh trees (73 percent of them are Sal trees). “If mining is allowed in this forest, thousands of old trees will be destroyed. We will have to wait 500 years to get such a dense forest of 73 percent annual trees. This forest is also the source of livelihood of the tribals.
Mines Minister Prafulla Kumar Malik told TOI that he would thoroughly look into the allegations, requests and demands of the workers. “I can comment on the issue after reviewing their arguments and demands,” he said.
Samantara, President Lok Shakti AbhiyanMore than 4000 acres of lush green forest in Gandhalpara, Karlapat said, Netrabandh Pahadhandjob Dholta Pahad, Jumke Pathriposhi Pahad, chandiposh If the state allows mining in these areas, the mines of Punibahal will be destroyed. He said that this would also affect the livelihood of thousands of tribal families and forest dwellers.
“Six out of seven virgin mines have iron ore. There is no immediate need for iron ore for industries in the state as they have private mines for steel production. These auctions will leave future generations resourceless to hand over resources at a cheaper rate to private companies to sell it in the open market for profit. There should be a ban on the sale of iron ore in the open market, Samantara said.
He said the government gets only a small royalty from the sale of iron ore or bauxite instead of the huge market price. “We cannot allow the government to end everything at an affordable cost as a gift of nature without thinking about the future generations,” he said.
Vishwajit Mohanty, Secretary Odisha Wildlife SocietySaid that Karlapat forest in Kalahandi district has more than 300 perennial streams and deep forest with vast flora and fauna. It has various wildlife animals like elephants. Thousands of families of forest dwellers including Kutia Kandh tribals depend on this forest for their livelihood.
“The state government has pushed State Wildlife Board To reduce the area of Wildlife Sanctuary in Karlapat Forest to get environment clearance easily. It is undemocratic and illegal. We demand a ban on mining in these virgin forests.
Kiran Kumar Sahu, president of Keonjhar Citizens Forum, said that the Gandhalpada forest in Keonjhar district has more than nine lakh trees (73 percent of them are Sal trees). “If mining is allowed in this forest, thousands of old trees will be destroyed. We will have to wait 500 years to get such a dense forest of 73 percent annual trees. This forest is also the source of livelihood of the tribals.
Mines Minister Prafulla Kumar Malik told TOI that he would thoroughly look into the allegations, requests and demands of the workers. “I can comment on the issue after reviewing their arguments and demands,” he said.
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