The land losers in the project for the setting up of the National Aluminium Company Ltd (Nalco) unit in Koraput have threatened to block the water supply to the PSU and damage its conveyor belt if their demand for jobs with the company is not fulfilled at the earliest.
Although those who lost both their homes and land were given jobs with the company’s Damanjodi unit, no permanent employment was made available for the 428 families who lost their land during the setting up of the project in the early 80s, said Bhimadhar Khillo, the President of the Nalco Land Affected Persons’ Association (NLAPA), which is spearheading the agitation.
“Due to illiteracy, the tribals misused the paltry compensation they received from the company and now are struggling to make ends meet. We demand permanent employment for one person each of the 428 families,” Mr. Khillo said.
“Many times have we placed our demand before the administration and company officials, but to no avail. This time, we are determined. If our demand is not fulfilled, we will block the water supply to Nalco and also damage its conveyor belt,” he added.
Meanwhile, responding to the agitators’ stand, Koraput Sub-Collector Samarth Verma said, “We have asked the association members not to take any illegal steps against the company. Their demands will be discussed at a meeting next week in Koraput.”
