Joda: Residents of mineral-rich Joda area are a disillusioned lot.
On one hand, they have been witnessing for years a ‘constant plunder’ of mineral resources from their area, for which they were promised jobs in exchange. However, the mining companies are yet to stand by their side of the deal, according to residents.
“Several mining companies, such as Mala Ray, are raking in huge profits but they are yet to spare a thought for carrying out some developmental work for people living in tribal villages in close proximity to the mining areas,” said villagers.
The most disenchanted are tribals who have given up their land for the company. “We are yet to receive any compensation for our land. We were promised jobs, but even that has remained a dream,” said Sahil Munda, with other villagers like Saba, Sanibari, Soma and Paikaray Munda sharing a similar tale of woe.
“We have been deprived of even basic facilities due to the apathy of Mala Ray mines. Labourers and locals have been left neglected over the years,” lamented villagers of ITC near the mine.
Talking to mediapersons Monday, they rued, “The mines authorities had promised us a lot before commencing operations. The firm kept us in the dark and went back on its promises but continues to plunder mineral resources. We have been the biggest losers,” Saba Munda said.
There is presently no electricity supply to the village while the water supply is also erratic. Villagers are forced to live in darkness, and due to shortage of drinking water, resort to drawing water from a muddy waterhole on the village outskirts, they said.
The Mala Ray mining firm has always been mired in controversies, either due to some violations or irregularities. The mine has reportedly closed down temporarily after years of operations, say villagers, adding that basic facilities for the village have also been scrapped for the last two months.
The villagers alleged that neither the company nor the district administration is keen on resolving the problems of the people.
Naresh Mohant, a villager, said many of them, who were engaged as workers in the mine, have not been paid their full wages before the mine was closed.
Another worker Laxman Nayak said the company has stopped drinking water supply to the village.
Bharati Munda, Sunaphula Nayak and Sukamuni Munda said that the mining firm now supplies drinking water from its bore-well to its staff and security guards, but supplies water for only half an hour, which is causing a lot of problems.
The village has a tube-well, but it has been lying defunct for years. Despite complaints in this regard by the villagers, it remains unrepaired.
“After we drew attention of the sarpanch, he made arrangements for a tanker-load of water given by another company,” the locals added.
Even water supply and electricity to the local primary school and Anganwadi centre were stopped. Healthcare service given by the company was also stopped. People have no option but to trek 15km to avail healthcare service at Joda government hospital.
An official of the mining firm, on condition of anonymity, said that the mine has been closed for lease renewal. He added that Mala Ray and Indrajit Ray – owners of the mine – now live in Kolkata. PNN