Koraput ( Odisha) : The public hearing for the proposed Ballada Bauxite Mine, organized by the Pollution Control Board, Odisha, concluded successfully on Thursday. Kalinga Alumina Limited has been allocated the Ballada Bauxite Block in Koraput district, Odisha, covering 144.945 hectares.
The project involves open cast mining of bauxite with a capacity of 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and an 800 tonnes per hour (TPH) crusher/screening plant at the pit head.
Thousands of villagers from the neighbouring Bheja, Ballada, Badel, Atanda, and Kulabir Gram Panchayats of the Nandapur Tehsil attended the public hearing, which commenced at 11:00 AM and concluded at approximately 2:45 PM.
Dipesh Biswal, Regional Officer of the State Pollution Control Board, Koraput, and Ms. Alomani Sethy, the Additional District Magistrate, chaired the meeting.
During the meeting, villagers engaged in discussions regarding environmental impact, regional development, job creation, and self-employment opportunities. Officials and dignitaries took note of their submissions and addressed the queries emphasizing the project’s potential to bring new development and employment prospects to the area.Kalinga Alumina officials provided comprehensive information about the Ballada Project and the anticipated benefits for the region in a detailed presentation.
The proposed mine is projected to generate approximately 300-400 direct and indirect employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled individuals. The project prioritizes the recruitment of local residents for various mining activities.
