In a strong show of resistance, residents of Nuagaon panchayat in Erasama block, Odisha, have pledged not to surrender their land for industrial development under the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) land bank scheme. During a legally mandated public hearing, villagers rejected the administration’s offerings and voiced concerns over irregularities in the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) survey.
Led by local leaders Bipin Pradhan and Bishnu Lenka, the villagers criticized the survey process, particularly the use of pencils instead of pens for data collection, which they feared could lead to data tampering. Despite officials claiming comprehensive coverage, villagers insisted that only 20% of affected families were surveyed, raising doubts about the transparency of the process.
The public hearing saw participation from just 44 out of 194 affected families, highlighting the widespread discontent. Villagers demanded reforms to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act (RFCTLARR Act) of 2013 to better safeguard their rights.
Land losers from neighboring Dhinkia village shared their hardships, further solidifying Nuagaon villagers’ resolve not to give up their land. The Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Paradip, Lalit Behera, acknowledged the objections and assured that the government’s decision would be communicated to the local residents.
This resistance underscores the growing tensions between local communities and industrial development initiatives, with the villagers of Nuagaon determined to protect their land and livelihoods.
Prasanta Patnaik