Villagers seek CM’s intervention in mining transport row

Keonjhar: Mineral transportation from the Sirkagut iron and manganese mine in Keonjhar district has been suspended for six days following protests at Malangtoli, affecting the livelihood of around 300 families.
Villagers from Upper Kadakola and surrounding areas have appealed to the chief minister's grievance cell and the district collector for immediate intervention, citing significant revenue losses to both the govt and the mining company.
The dispute arose when protesters, allegedly backed by a rival transport company, blocked the road about 5 km from the mine, demanding monopoly over transportation rights. The mine was previously serviced by another transport company in collaboration with local villagers.
"The blockade by outsiders has severely impacted local employment and disrupted essential services, including ambulance access," said Bipin Munda, one of the affected villagers. Other complainants included Krishna Munda, Kalu Dehuri, Ashok Kumar Barik and Adikant Ghana.
The mining company has been supporting local communities through various CSR activities, focusing on health, education and transportation infrastructure. Deepak Dash, general manager of the mine, said both the company and govt are incurring substantial losses due to the transportation ban. "We have already notified the administration and local police about the situation," he said.
However, Akshay Mahakud, the transporter named in the villagers' complaint, denied any involvement in the road blockade. "I have no connection with the road blockade or the transportation from the mine," he said.
The protest has resulted in numerous trucks being stranded on the road, causing traffic congestion and affecting daily commuters from villages such as Kadamdihi, Lal Pani, Malungisahi, Tela Kadakala and Upper Kadakala.