Mainpat, Chhattisgarh |A public hearing on the proposed expansion of bauxite mining in the Kandaraja and Urga region of Mainpat turned chaotic on Sunday when a large group of villagers stormed the venue and dismantled the stage and tent, forcing authorities to abruptly halt the proceedings.
The event was held at the Narmadapur Mini Stadium to record public opinion regarding the mining expansion project. However, tensions escalated even before the hearing could begin, as hundreds of villagers gathered in protest, alleging that the expansion would pose a serious threat to the ecological balance and social livelihood of the region.
Villagers Cite Environmental and Livelihood Crisis
According to the residents, existing bauxite mines in Mainpat have already caused significant environmental degradation. They claim that:
- Soil fertility has declined
- Natural water sources are drying up
- Groundwater levels have fallen sharply
- Forest cover has reduced considerably
Villagers argued that bauxite expansion is a direct threat to their land, forests and water — the foundation of their survival.
Mainpat, popularly known as the “Shimla of Chhattisgarh” for its cool climate and scenic beauty, is a major tourism destination. Locals fear that further mining will not only damage the hill ecosystem but also deliver a blow to the tourism-driven local economy. They also expressed concern about the presence of wild elephants in the region, warning that expansion of the mining area could disrupt elephant corridors and intensify human–wildlife conflict.
Protest Led by District Panchayat Member
The agitation was led by District Panchayat member Ratni Nag, who levelled serious allegations against the mining company and a section of government employees. She alleged that attempts were made to manipulate the outcome of the public hearing by providing liquor to some project-affected villagers to influence their opinion in favour of the project. Nag described this as a “conspiracy to sabotage democratic procedures.”
Administration Forced to Halt Proceedings
Despite the presence of administrative staff and police deployment, the situation spiralled out of control as the protesting villagers uprooted the entire tent structure and disrupted the event. Attempts by officials to pacify the crowd failed, resulting in the cancellation of the meeting.
Warning of Larger Movement
Following the clash, protesters declared that any attempt by the government or mining company to move forward with the project would trigger a larger and more aggressive movement.
The administration has initiated deliberations on the next course of action, but villagers remain determined, asserting that they are prepared to go to any extent to “protect the soil and environment of Mainpat.”