The Gram Sabha held to approve the change of forest land classification for use by Kalinga Alumina Limited has now sparked controversy. Balda Sarpanch Vikram Sisha has declared the Gram Sabha illegal, stating that forest land will not be allowed to be used by Kalinga Alumina or Adani companies.
The company and administration had earlier claimed that the Gram Sabha held on October 9 at Balda, under official chairmanship, was successful. However, on October 11, Sarpanch Vikram Sisha officially informed that the meeting was illegal. This development has dealt a major blow to both the company and the administration.
By cancelling the Balda Panchayat Gram Sabha, the Sarpanch has thrown the company’s bauxite mining plans into uncertainty. The Nageshwari Mali Hill Protection Forum continues its protest, and with opposition from both the Sarpanch and local groups, it is feared that the company’s operations may face serious hurdles.
