Locals oppose coal mine project

ANGUL: Hundreds of people affected by the upcoming Baitarani West coal mine at Chhendipada staged a protest in front of the collectorate here demanding cancellation of the project.

The project, by Gujarat Mineral Development Cooperation is likely to affect several villages. Authorities have so far conducted a public hearing for obtaining environmental clearance for the project.

The agitators came in a procession from Hemsurpara and marched through Angul town before reaching the collectorate where veteran leader Prafulla Samantray, Sasmita Behera of Chhendipada Surakhya Mancha and Jagadananda Pradhan, convenor of Talcher-Angul Banchao Andolan addressed them.