Vandana Agrawal and Tameshwar Sinha

Raipur: The mountain range of Bailadila area in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh, which is known for its high-quality iron ore, is facing the ire of tribal who claim that the hill has been illicitly given to Adani Enterprises Limited by making NCL Limited, a joint venture between National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) and Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC) for excavation of iron ore. According to NMDC estimates, 350 million ton iron ore can be excavated from deposit-13.

NMDC-CMDC Limited is classified as a company under the Union Government and is registered under Registrar of Companies in Chhattisgarh. It is involved in the mining of iron ores, includes mining of hematite, magnetite, limonite, siderite and taconite, which are used chiefly for iron production.

The work of excavation of deposit-13 was awarded to Adani Group through a tender process. Not only the labour organisations, but also the local tribal are also vehemently protesting against the private partnership in this mine. The range number 13 of Kirandul, a town in Dantewada district, has been closely tied to the religious beliefs of tribal and is home to Pitod Rani, wife of nature god Nandaraja. To protest against this, residents of over 200 villages in the vicinity have gheraoed the hill. Mangal Kunjam, the leader of the local tribal community, said that the deposit no 13 that given to Adani had been the centre of tribal faith while adding that they would make sure that no excavation is allowed. “On the call of Sanyukt Panchayat Jan Sangharsh Samiti, a protest-demonstration for an indefinite period would be carried on in the iron town of Kirandul from Friday,” Kunjam added.

Raju Bhaskar, secretary of Sanyukt Panchayat Jan Sangharsh Samiti, said, “It will be an indefinite movement. Not only four blocks of Dantewada but tribals are coming on their own from Sukma and Bijapur districts also. The dharna demonstration has started at CISF barrack near the administrative office of NMDC in Kirandul.”

On December 12, 2017, NMDC along with CMDC, Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation got the permission for the transfer of super iron resource, Bailadila Deposit-13 , in favour of their joint venture company, NCL Ltd. NMDC has a 51 percent stake in NCL Ltd, while CMDC has 49 percent.

After that NMDC-CMDC call a bid for a Mine Developer cum Operator (MDO) of Bailadila deposit-13.

Adani Enterprises , incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary, Bailadila Iron Ore Mining Private Limited (BIOMPL) on September 20, 2018. Adani Enterprises Limited, AEL, was the successful bidder to be the MDO for the Bailadila Iron Ore Deposit, Dantewada District by NMDC-CMDC.

Manish Kunjam, National General Secretary of Adivasi Mahasabha and an ex MLA, said, “The Centre and State both went absolutely against the law for giving this particular mines to Adani. As per the 5th Schedule, Panchayat Extension in Schedule Area Act (PESA) is implemented in the said area. The gram sabha is the highest authority here, it has all the rights. But no law is working here.”

Bhimsen, Zila Panchayat member, said, “The hill which is being dug now, is a hill for our deities. We invoke blessings from this deity before the initiation of any work.”

Kora Mandavi, the Sarpanch, revealed that there had been a move to dig Nandaraj hills earlier too while claiming that the Government has procured fake papers to award the tender of excavation to Adani. “When Congress was in opposition, they used to say, they won’t allow excavation but now its Congress government in the state. We demand interference of Congress in this matter.”

Deepak Karma, a Congress leader, supporting the movement, said that NMDC has always cheated the locals. “We won’t let our holy place go. We will do anything for that. NMDC has deteriorated the future of people. They are not getting the medical, drinking water, educational, road or electricity facilities,” Karma said.

Soni Sori, a tribal leader and social activist, said, “This time we won’t quit by giving memo only. We will stand at the spot until our demands are fulfilled. This is a battle for jal, jungle, jameen (water, forest, land) of Bastar.”

Abhishek Pallav, Superintendent of Police (Dantewada), claimed that the whole movement is planted by Naxalites and they are inciting the villagers.