A delegation of local leaders urged MP Malvika Devi to appeal to the CMO for an urgent Gram Sabha to unlock bauxite mining and boost Kalahandi’s development
Bhubaneswar, May 25, 2025: In a continued push that has now intensified, local leaders and Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) membersfrom the Lanjigarh region gathered under the banner of LanjigarhAnchalika Vikas Parishad (LAVP) to press for the immediate convening of a Gram Sabha for the allocation of the bauxite mines in Kalahandi. The delegation met Kalahandi MP Smt. Malvika Devi and submitted a formal memorandum, reinforcing their demand for securing a permanent raw material source essential to the region’s economic stability. The memorandum urged the MP to raise the matter with the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and called on the state government to exercise its authority to expedite the Gram Sabha process without further delay.
Led by LAVP President Shri Sridhar Pesnia, the delegation included grassroot representatives from across Lanjigarh block including youth leaders, youth club members, self-help groups, local families, etc. The group conveyed that despite being the first mega-industry in the district, the Lanjigarhalumina refinery continues to suffer due to the lack of a captive bauxite mine. This operational uncertainty, they said, has constrained the plant from running at full capacity for over 20 years, impacting jobs, incomes, and ancillary businesses that rely heavily on its sustained functioning. The memorandum further highlighted a growing sense of neglect towards the refinery, especially when compared to the support received by similar industries in Rayagada and Koraput districts.
Those supporting the appeal included:
Chandra Pesnia, Ex Sarpanch, Lanjigarh Block
Suresh Agarwal, Social Worker, Lanjigarh
Kamala Patra, Block Chairman, Lanjigarh Block
Sanjeeb Nayak, Vice Chairman, Lanjigarh Block
Parikhita Naik, Zila Parishad Member
Pradeep Ghadei, MLA Representative, Biswanathpur village
Nirmal Samal, General Secretary, Lanjigarh Anchalika Vikas Parishad
Rajendra Singhdeo, Social Worker, Lanjigarh
Dhan Majhi, Local Leader
Himadri Pesnia, President, Lanjigarh Yubak Sangh and local youth leaders Hari Majhi, Patra Majhi, Shatrughan Chalan, Rabi Dandasena, Raghunath Pani, Dashrath Majhi and others from local families
Women representatives from Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Lanjigarh
Addressing the delegation, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Smt. Malvika Devi, assured the group of her support, and said, “The people of Lanjigarh have brought forward a clear and
consistent demandto hold the Gram Sabha immediately and enable the opening of local bauxite reserves in Kalahandi. They believe this will unlock new opportunities for the entire region and peripheral areas. As their elected representative, I will raise this matter at the appropriate levels.”
Former Member of Parliament, Shri Arka Keshari Deo, also extended his support to the demand, stating, “The Lanjigarhrefinery was envisioned as a catalyst for Kalahandi’s development. But for a plant to thrive, uninterrupted raw material is non-negotiable. This long-standing demand from the people of Lanjigarh is both legitimate and urgent. We will take up the matter with the State and Central governments to ensure Kalahandi gets the industrial backing it deserves.”
The LAVP has reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful and constructive advocacy to ensure the region’s voice is heard. The delegation emphasized that sustainable industrial development, driven by community consent and sustainable mining, holds the key to long-term prosperity in Kalahandi.
