Ranchi/Dumka: A large public hearing was held in Gopikandar block of Dumka district to address the rising concerns over displacement, increasing pollution caused by coal transportation, declining agricultural productivity, and frequent accidents due to coal mining undertaken by private companies.
Raiyats from eight villages, belonging to the Santhal Adivasi and the Pahariya Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Community, participated in significant numbers. Women’s participation was notably high, and overall thousands of raiyats were present at the venue.
Statement by Comrade Brinda Karat
Senior party leader Comrade Brinda Karat strongly criticized the companies and the government, saying:“Companies are conducting mining operations without the consent of the Adivasi community. This is a clear violation of the Constitution, tribal rights, and the authority of Gram Sabha. The assault on the land, culture, and identity of the raiyats of Gopikandar will not be tolerated. We will take this struggle to every platform, from the Assembly to Parliament.”
Statement by State Secretariat Member Surjeet Sinha
State Secretariat member Surjeet Sinha said:“The companies had promised employment, rehabilitation, road safety, and environmental safeguards, but not a single promise has been fulfilled. The level of dust and pollution in the villages has increased so much that even breathing clean air has become difficult.”
Statement by State Committee Member Gopin Soren
State Committee member Gopin Soren expressed concern over administrative apathy, stating:“Raiyats’ lands are being acquired at throwaway prices for corporate profit. The reckless movement of heavy trucks and illegal mining activities have put people’s lives at risk. What is happening in this region is not development but destruction.”
Statement by Dineshwar Dehri, Secretary, Gopikandar Local Committee
Local Committee Secretary Dineshwar Dehri highlighted the ground realities:
“Water sources are drying up, agriculture is being ruined, and widespread deforestation has left cattle without grazing land. Government schemes exist only on paper—there is no real relief on the ground.”
Statement by Devi Singh Pahariya, Adivasi Adhikar Manch
Representative of the Adivasi Adhikar Manch, Devi Singh Pahariya, said:
“The Pahariya and Santhal communities have lived on this land for generations. Mining companies are destroying our livelihood, culture, and traditions. This is a question of our existence, and we will not remain silent.”
Key Demands Raised at the Public Hearing
Immediate halt to coal mining operations
Strict measures to control pollution
Compensation for damaged crops and affected land
Regulation of truck movement and steps to reduce road accidents
Guaranteed employment and proper rehabilitation
No approval for any project without Gram Sabha consent
At the conclusion of the public hearing, raiyats and leaders vowed that if their demands are not met, the movement will be intensified.
The Adivasi community of Gopikandar raised a unified slogan:
“Our Land, Our Decision.”
Post a Comment