Report by Aswini Kumar Darjee
Photo:- Bijaya Sahu
Bargarh/Bolangir/Bhubaneswar-
The picturesque Gandhamardan Hills, known for their biodiversity and rich bauxite reserves, are once again at the epicenter of a political and ecological controversy. The Adani Group’s recent land acquisitions in the foothills have sparked public protests and political debates, with allegations of forest land being sold under the guise of afforestation.
The Land Controversy
At the heart of the issue are approximately 41 acres of land—18 in the Khaprakhol block of Bolangir district and 23 near Gaisilet in Bargarh district—acquired by the Adani Group. While a letter from the Forest Department claims the land was purchased for afforestation, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) has denied any knowledge of forest land being sold. Opposition leaders have raised questions about the intent behind the acquisition, suggesting possible links to bauxite mining interests.
A History of Resistance
Gandhamardan Hills have a storied history of local movements aimed at preserving their ecological and cultural heritage. From 1983 to 1991, a people’s movement successfully thwarted mining operations by Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO). This legacy continues as local residents, activists, and political leaders rally to protect the hills.
At a recent public meeting in Harishankar, former BJD MLA Saroj Meher and Padampur MLA Barsha Singh Bariha joined protesters to voice their opposition. Congress leader Narsingh Mishra has warned of escalating protests, pledging his party’s unwavering support for the cause. Similarly, Kosal activist Pramod Mishra has called for intensified resistance, emphasizing that “Adani Group will not be allowed to enter the hills.”
Political Accusations Fly
The controversy has fueled a heated exchange between Odisha’s Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which governs at the both State and Centre. The BJD has demanded transparency from the BJP on the land deal, while BJP MP Pradeep Purohit has dismissed allegations of mining, asserting, “No mining activities will ever take place in Gandhamardan hills.”
Biodiversity at Stake
Declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site in 2023, Gandhamardan Hills are home to a unique ecosystem. The Botanical Survey of India has documented 220 medicinal plant species in the region, though locals claim there are over 500. Rare plants like Rauvolfia serpentina and Clerodendron indicum are now scarce due to deforestation and unsustainable harvesting practices.
The Department of Biotechnology at Sambalpur University has taken steps to preserve this biodiversity, developing 30 varieties of herbal teas with medicinal properties. Plans to market these products in collaboration with a start-up aim to raise awareness about the hills’ ecological value.
A Fragile Future
Despite these conservation efforts, the Gandhamardan ecosystem faces threats from illegal logging, overexploitation of resources, and climate challenges such as recurring droughts. The hills sustain over a million people and feed two major tributaries of the Mahanadi River, underscoring their importance to local livelihoods and regional ecology.
Moving Forward
As political parties spar over the land deal and environmentalists amplify their concerns, the Gandhamardan Hills once again highlight the delicate balance between development and conservation. For many, the current debate echoes the victorious struggle against BALCO decades ago—a reminder of the power of collective action in protecting natural heritage.
The fight for Gandhamardan is far from over, with its biodiversity, cultural significance, and ecological future hanging in the balance.
