Nabrangapur(Odisha): A major protest has erupted against a proposed nuclear power project in Odisha, with residents of Nabarangpur and Kalahandi districts joining hands to oppose the project and demand clarity from the government. More than 2,000 people reportedly participated in a large protest gathering at Hirmimunda village under Tentulikhunti block in Nabarangpur district, raising concerns over land acquisition, survey activities, tribal rights and the potential impact on local livelihoods.

The protest comes amid concerns over surveys reportedly conducted by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) at different times in connection with the proposed project. Protesters alleged that the government had identified a potential site without adequately informing local residents about the project's details, its implications and the proposed process for implementation.

The gathering witnessed participation from political leaders belonging to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress, who expressed support for the residents' demands and called for the protection of local communities' rights.

Why Are Residents Opposing the Proposed Project?

Residents and protest organisers alleged that preliminary activities, including surveys and work related to land identification, had raised serious concerns among people living in the proposed project area.

According to the protesters, local communities have not received sufficient information about the nature, scale and possible consequences of the proposed nuclear power project. They argued that no project-related work should move forward without transparent communication, proper consultation and the informed participation of affected residents.

The protesters stressed that people living in the region must be informed about the project's objectives, land requirements, possible displacement and other long-term implications before any decision is implemented.

They also demanded that the government publicly clarify the status of the proposed project and explain what steps, if any, have been taken towards its implementation.

Tribal Land, Forests and Livelihoods at the Centre of the Protest

A major concern raised during the demonstration was the protection of tribal communities and their traditional relationship with land and forests.

The proposed project has triggered apprehensions among residents over the possibility of losing agricultural land, access to forest resources and sources of livelihood. Protesters warned that development activities in tribal-dominated areas must respect the legal rights of local communities and comply with applicable safeguards.

Participants also referred to laws protecting tribal land and community rights, along with various Supreme Court judgments, arguing that legal provisions and the rights of affected people must be respected before the project advances.

They maintained that consultation with local residents and the disclosure of complete project-related information were essential to building public trust.

Political Leaders Join the Demonstration

The protest received support from several political leaders representing Nabarangpur and Kalahandi districts. Leaders from both the BJD and Congress joined the gathering and voiced their support for the concerns raised by residents.

Those reported to have attended the protest included:

• Manohar Randhari, MLA from Dabugam in Nabarangpur district

• Pradip Dishari, MLA from Lanjigarh in Kalahandi district

• Pradeep Majhi, senior BJD leader from Nabarangpur and former Lok Sabha member

• Ramesh Majhi, former Lok Sabha member

* Dr Lipika Majhi, Nabarangpur Congress district president

• Bhujabal Majhi, former Dabugam MLA

• Munna Tripathy

• Rajesh Jani

The participation of leaders from different political parties highlighted the growing political attention surrounding the proposed project. Protesters called for a united effort to ensure that local concerns were heard before any further steps were taken.

Concerns Over Land Loss, Environment and Public Health

During the gathering, protesters expressed apprehension that the proposed project could affect thousands of acres of land across the two districts. They also raised concerns about possible environmental changes, water resources and public health.

Residents argued that any major industrial or energy project in the region should be preceded by a transparent assessment of its environmental and social consequences. They called for detailed information about land requirements, potential ecological impacts and the safeguards proposed for communities living nearby.

However, the concerns raised at the protest reflect the protesters' apprehensions; the project's actual land requirements and potential environmental and health impacts would need to be assessed through official project documents and appropriate scientific and environmental studies.

The demonstrators demanded that authorities address these concerns openly and provide reliable information before taking further decisions.

Protesters Warn of an Intensified Movement

The gathering concluded with a warning that the opposition to the proposed project would be intensified if the government proceeded without addressing the residents' demands.

Protesters reiterated that local people must not be kept in the dark about decisions that could affect their land, livelihoods and future. They called on the government to initiate discussions with affected communities and make all relevant project information public.

The large turnout at Hirmimunda has brought renewed attention to the proposed NTPC project and the growing concerns among residents of Nabarangpur and Kalahandi.

What Happens Next?

The future of the proposed project remains a matter of concern for residents, who are seeking clarity from the government and the concerned authorities. The protest has placed questions over transparency, tribal rights, land protection and public consultation at the centre of the debate.

Whether the authorities respond to the demands and initiate dialogue with the affected communities could shape the next phase of the issue. Protesters have made it clear that they are prepared to intensify their agitation if their concerns remain unaddressed.

For now, residents of the two districts are demanding clear answers, public consultation and assurances that their legal rights and livelihoods will be protected.