Local Residents Unite to Oppose Land Acquisition for Small Scale Industries in Sindrimal, Malkangiri
By Addanki Iswar R.
Malkangiri,03 July 2023: Villagers in Sindrimal, Malkangiri, are vehemently opposing the state government’s decision to acquire government land for the establishment of small-scale industries. The government, in an effort to promote industrial growth in non-industrial districts, had identified 45 acres of government land near village Simagudi under Sindrimal GP , Malkangiri . The land will be handed over to the Industrial Development Corporation for further proceedings.
However, the villagers, who have had past negative experiences with industrial projects, raised their voices against the acquisition. They cited the example of a cement factory that is proposed to built in Malkangiri, which would result in the destruction of the environment and damage to agricultural land. They also mentioned being displaced for the construction of the Satiguda reservoir. The presence of a National Highway between the Goi hills and the reservoir has allowed the villagers to settle in this region.
The opposition argues that the establishment of small-scale industries will disrupt their livelihoods and negatively impact those who have leased forest land. Collection of forest products will also be hampered. In response to the villagers’ concerns, the local Tahsildar, Syed Subir Sa , assured them that no large industries or cement companies would be set up on the acquired land. Instead, the focus would be on establishing small-scale industrial centers such as cold storage and grain mills, which would benefit the local population and prevent their eviction.
The assurance from Tahasildar helped allay some of the villagers’ concerns. Prabhakar Hantal, a social activist, expressed his support for the establishment of small-scale industries, noting that it would provide local benefits without causing harm to the villagers. Hantal believed that the proposed small-scale industry could be a positive development for the area.
The opposition from the villagers underscores their apprehensions regarding the impact of industrialization on their community and environment. As the government proceeds with its plans, it will be crucial to address these concerns and ensure that the establishment of small-scale industries in Sindrimal, Malkangiri is carried out in a manner that respects the rights and well-being of the local population.
