‘River will suffer’: Inside Keonjhar’s farm resistance against ESSAR’s iron ore project

Residents of Tikarpada, Kadagada and nearby villages in Odisha’s Keonjhar district are protesting ESSAR’s proposed iron ore beneficiation project, saying it endangers their farms, water sources and way of life. 

Villagers allege they were stopped from attending the mandatory public hearing, even though agriculture is their only livelihood. Keonjhar, known for its mineral wealth and extensive mining activity, is now seeing growing anger from farming communities. 

Locals say the land acquired for the project is surrounded by cultivated fields and densely populated villages. Families depend entirely on paddy, pulses and vegetables grown here. Villagers also claim the company received Environment Clearance (EC) without a fair public hearing. According to EIA rules, EC can be granted only after it is clear that the project will not cause environmental harm.

The first hearing, scheduled for October 28, 2024, was postponed. The second, on January 18 this year was held under heavy police presence, and villagers say they were prevented from even entering the venue. Those who managed to attend said their objections were ignored.

The project proposes a slurry pipeline from the beneficiation plant in Tikarpada, Keonjhar, to ESSAR’s pellet plant in Paradip. It will draw water from the Baitarani river — the primary source for drinking, irrigation and daily needs in these villages. Locals fear the pipeline will deplete the river and increase pollution.

Villagers have held demonstrations and filed RTIs. While authorities claim 736 people attended the hearing, locals submitted over 2,000 signatures opposing the project.

ESSAR is yet to respond to Newslaundry’s questions.

Subhashini Mardi, from Dhatikha village in Gopinathpur panchayat, said, “We were called for the public hearing on January 18, but they didn’t even let us in. We left at 6 am, and as soon as we reached the highway, the police stopped us. Whatever project ESSAR wants to set up in Mahadeijod, Kadagada and Tikarpada — we do not want it here at any cost.”

Environmentalist Prafulla Samantara, who is opposing the project, said,
“This is a highly fertile agricultural region. The Baitarani river is the lifeline of farming here, with several tributaries feeding it. How was the company allowed to draw so much water? The river will suffer. After the monsoon, it dries up. Crushing and grinding activities will create extreme noise pollution — affecting children, the elderly and farmers alike.”

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