Today, Odisha is blessed with over 51% of India’s bauxite reserves, and stands at a historic crossroads. On one hand, the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is ushering in a new era of inclusive growth. On the other hand, the development around the Lanjigarh (Kalahandi) alumina refinery stands as a powerful example of how responsible industrial efforts can drive meaningful social transformation. The progress witnessed in Kalahandi reflects the potential of aligning natural resource development with community upliftment
Historically marked by chronic hunger, economic despair, and extreme poverty, Kalahandi was infamous despite its rich natural wealth. With establishment of Lanjigarh (Kalahandi) alumina refinery marked the beginning of a dramatic turnaround. Roads, healthcare, schools, and local livelihoods took root where previously there was none. Yet the region’s journey remains incomplete. If local bauxite mining commences, as per Supreme Court directives, 5% of the profits from these operations would be allocated to community development. As a result, Kalahandi could see hundreds of crores of rupees flow directly into education, healthcare, infrastructure, and livelihoods. A true and lasting transformation is within reach.
Under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s leadership, Odisha has already witnessed major strides. His flagship initiatives, like Subhadra Yojana to empower over one crore women with ₹10,000 annually for five years, fostering financial independence and digital inclusion. Meanwhile, the ambitious ‘Vikshit Gaon, Vikshit Odisha’ programme, backed by ₹10,000 crore, aims to provide drinking water to every village by 2026 and ensure road connectivity by next year. He has also spearheaded industrialisation through the Utkarsh Odisha, Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, further positioning Odisha as a rising powerhouse in eastern India. Now, Kalahandi, under his visionary leadership, needs that same focused attention. The next leap can only happen through the opening of the local bauxite reserves, unleashing not just industrial growth but true grassroots prosperity.
Despite Odisha’s abundant resources, aluminium refineries in the state are still forced to import bauxite from other regions. This paradox not only constrains Odisha’s economic potential but also contradicts Prime Minister Modi’s call for “Make in Odisha”, delivered at the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave 2025.It results in lost opportunities for local employment, industrial capacity building, and inclusive growth.
Opening Kalahandi’s local bauxite reserves will mark the next leap in the region’s development journey. Beyond industrial expansion, it will unlock direct social dividends, ensuring sustained investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and livelihoods for decades to come.It is not merely about mining; it is about creating a circle of prosperity where the natural wealth of Odisha fuels the empowerment of its own people.
However, this vision can only be realised with proactive government support. Holding the next Gram Sabha is a crucial step toward unlocking the bauxite potential, securing not only industrial investments but also safeguarding the socio-economic momentum that has been painstakingly built over two decades.
Odisha has the leadership, the resources, and the ambition to script a new success story, one that not only accelerates India’s growth but also ensures that development is measured in lives uplifted and futures transformed. The time to act is now for Odisha’s people, for Kalahandi’s future, and for India’s march toward true self-reliance.
