Activists express concerns over ‘exploitation’ of bauxite deposits in Odisha

Environmental activists voiced grave concerns on August 11, 2026, over the auctioning and exploitation of bauxite reserves in Odisha. Prafulla Samantara, a Goldman Environmental Prize winner, denounced the indiscriminate granting of mining leases, stating that the extensive bauxite production, exceeding national needs, is depleting the state's mineral resources and damaging its fragile water sources. He warned that the government should revoke the already allotted bauxite deposits and halt upcoming auctions.

Samantara highlighted that over 55% of India's bauxite deposits are found in Odisha's southwestern districts of Bargarh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, and Koraput. These deposits lie within various hill ranges, such as Gandhamardan, Niyamgiri, Karlapat, Khandualamali, and others. Mining operations are presently underway at Panchapatamali, Baphlimali, and Kodingamali, operated by companies like NALCO, OMC, and the Aditya Birla Group.

Human rights activist Narendra Mohanty also criticized the excessive bauxite production and its negative impacts on water resources, forest ecosystems, and the livelihoods of millions. He pointed out that leases had been granted in sensitive areas, including the Koraput district, and that the auction process for Karlapat's ecologically sensitive forests had been finalized.

Mohanty alleged that corporate interests were influencing the state government, prompting the issuance of auction notifications for three mountains in Kashipur's Sasu-Bohumali area. He warned that the extraction of bauxite would lead to the drying up and pollution of crucial water sources, endangering the survival of lakhs of people and their right to basic survival.

Activists also raised concerns about the violation of laws such as the Forest Rights Act, PESA, and the Odisha Scheduled Areas Transfer of Immovable Property Regulation. They emphasized that tribal communities were risking their rights and well-being due to the mining leases granted. Despite police intervention and arrests, these communities continued to protest against the "loot of bauxite."

The activists appealed to informed citizens and political leaders to put pressure on the government to cease reckless and indiscriminate mining, resist corporate favoritism, and reject policies that exploit the state's resources.