Cpi To Oppose Allocation Of Mines
Published by MAC on 2007-05-15CPI to Oppose Allocation of Mines
Bhubaneswar, May 15 (PTI): Opposing moves to provide mines to the South Korean steel major POSCO and the Vedanta Alumina Limited (VAL) by the government, the Orissa unit of the CPI today anounced its programme to observe 'mines, water, land, forest and livelihood week' from June 1.
The CPI's newly elected secretary Dibakar Nayak told reporters here today the party workers would gherao the State Assembly and Collectorates in all districts opposing 'mindless allocation' of mines to companies. 'We would also not allow massive destruction of foreest and water sources in the name of industrilization', Nayak said.
The party vehementaly opposed the government's bid to hand over Khandadhar iron ore mines to Posco and bauxite mines on Niyamgiri hills to Vedanta. "Both the places are ecologically sensitive and closely linked with livilihood of lakhs of people, mostly tribals. Therefore, the party would never allow their (mines) exploitation", the CPI leader said.
The left party also apprehended that the state which is placed in fourth place in terms of water resources in the country, would face acute shortage of water, if all the mous signed with different companies were implemented. Besides, non-availability of water would also seriously affect power generation in the state.
This apart, the state's mineral resources would also be exhausted in next 30 years, if no one objected to the government moves, he claimed.
The party also opposed the government's mou [memorandum of agreement] with the Vedanta Foundation trust for developing an international standard university over 8,000 acre of land in puri district, he said.