In a significant step towards the long-awaited development of Kalahandi, a 13-member delegation of prominent citizens from the district, organised by the Citizen Forum of Kalahandi (CFK), met with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in Bhubaneswar. They submitted a memorandum urging the government to initiate the Gram Sabha process for the Lanjigarh bauxite mines.
Led by Mr. Pradeepta Naik (former MLA) and Dr. Ajay Mishra (retired professor), the delegation stressed the importance of conducting the Gram Sabha in a free, fair, and transparent manner, utilizing the special powers granted to the state government. They also assured that no local community displacement would occur in any of the 12 villages within the mining zone, reinforcing their commitment to responsible development that respects community rights.
In their memorandum, the delegation pointed out that the Lanjigarh Alumina Refinery, which has been operational since 2003, has already enhanced the quality of life for over 70,000 families through employment, livelihood support, and community development programs. However, the ongoing lack of captive bauxite linkage has restricted the refinery’s full potential, limiting its capacity to contribute to local economic growth.
“While other districts like Rayagada and Koraput have advanced, Kalahandi still awaits the fulfilment of the promise of inclusive development. This is a collective demand from the grassroots—not just for industry, but for a better future,” stated Dr. Ajay Mishra, President of the Kalahandi Citizen Forum.
“The Honourable Chief Minister listened carefully to our points and assured us that he would take all possible steps to ensure we are on the right path. This gives us great hope,” Mishra added.
The representation also called for a comprehensive development agenda for Kalahandi and the Lanjigarh region. This agenda should include healthcare, education, infrastructure, the establishment of a cultural university, enhanced livelihood generation, and special attention to the needs of the Dongria Kondh community.
The delegation included:
– Pradeepta Naik, Ex-MLA, Bhawanipatna
– Dr. Ajay Mishra, Retired Professor
– Ajay Kumar Panda, Entrepreneur & Educationist
– Smt. Sangita Panda, Chairman, Pragati Group of Institutions
– Santanu Behera, President, Mahaveer Sanskrutika Anusthan
– Kambhupani Mishra, President, Shri Ramjiu Sanskrutika Commission Anusthan
– Sushanta Mahapatra, President, Brundaban Sanskrutika Anusthan
– Akshay Kumar Das, General Secretary, Brundaban Sanskrutika Anusthan
– Dyanananda Panda, Chairman, Prathibha Anusthan
– Smt. Pratibha Mishra, Secretary, Prathibha Anusthan
– Parmananda Majhi, President, Adivasha Sangha, Kalahandi
They were joined by other civil society leaders, youth representatives, and cultural activists.
The delegation also acknowledged the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, under whom Odisha has seen remarkable progress. Flagship initiatives such as ‘Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha’ and ‘Subhadra Yojana’ have heralded a new era of people-centric development. The delegation expressed hope that Kalahandi would now receive similar focused attention. Despite being rich in mineral resources, the district has remained underdeveloped for decades. They emphasised that the next leap in Kalahandi’s growth can only occur through the timely opening of its bauxite reserves, thereby unleashing industrial momentum and grassroots prosperity.
Despite its abundant mineral wealth, Odisha’s aluminium refineries continue to import bauxite from other states and countries. This paradox undermines the state’s economic potential and contradicts the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in Odisha” initiative expressed at the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave 2025. As a result, opportunities for job creation, industrial expansion, and inclusive growth within Odisha are missed.
Opening the bauxite reserves in Kalahandi would represent a transformational step in the district’s development journey. Beyond enhancing industrial capacity, it would generate direct social benefits by enabling sustained investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and livelihood generation for decades to come. This initiative is not merely about sustainable mining; it is about creating a virtuous cycle where Odisha’s natural wealth elevates its people.
The Citizen Forum highlighted that achieving this vision will require proactive steps from the State Government, starting with the timely convening of the next Gram Sabha. Such action will help attract industrial investment while preserving and building upon the socio-economic momentum developed over the past two decades through both public and private efforts.
The Citizen Forum concluded by expressing confidence that, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Odisha will take bold and inclusive steps to unlock Kalahandi’s potential and secure prosperity for generations to come.
