Why Was Activist Medha Patkar Denied Entry into Rayagada District in Odisha?
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Synopsis
Activist Medha Patkar was barred from entering Rayagada, Odisha, on a significant day, World Environment Day. This incident highlights the ongoing conflict over the contentious Sijimali bauxite mining project, as local protests amplify concerns over development and environmental sustainability.
Key Takeaways
- Medha Patkar denied entry into Rayagada district.
- Protest against Sijimali bauxite mining project.
- Concerns over law and order cited by authorities.
- Activists barred from protests for two months.
- Local organization Ma Mati Mali Surakhya Mancha opposes mining.
Bhubaneswar, June 5 (NationPress) Prominent activist Medha Patkar faced a denial of entry into Odisha's Rayagada district on Thursday. She was expected to participate in a dharna protest within the district's Kashipur block against the controversial Sijimali bauxite mining project, coinciding with World Environment Day.
Upon her arrival at the Rayagada Railway station around 4 a.m. on Thursday, police officials detained Patkar and fellow activists, citing potential law and order concerns.
Following this, Patkar and her group were escorted to Berhampur by the Rayagada Police.
Reports indicate that the district administration issued a notice on Wednesday, prohibiting the entry and stay of approximately two dozen activists, including Patkar, Prafulla Samantara, Narendra Mahanty, and Lingaraj Azad, in Rayagada for a duration of two months.
The activists have also been restricted from participating in or inciting any form of protest, dharna, or unlawful gatherings in the Kashipur block and surrounding areas.
According to the order allegedly issued by Parul Patawari, the Rayagada District Collector, “There is a reasonable apprehension that their movement and presence in Rayagada District may lead to deterioration of law and order, disturb public peace, and hinder the smooth conduct of administrative affairs and developmental processes in the district.”
The district administration has invoked Section 163(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replaces Section 144 of the CrPC, in the dharna area at Sunger Haat in Kashipur block.
In response to the situation, Patkar told reporters she is not a terrorist and that her presence would not endanger the public. She emphasized that the activists are not opposed to development but advocate for it to be conducted sustainably.
A local organization, Ma Mati Mali Surakhya Mancha, has been actively protesting against the proposed bauxite mining at Sijimali for the past few months. Patkar is scheduled to attend two separate events in Berhampur and Bhubaneswar on June 6 and 7, respectively.
Point of View
We emphasize the importance of environmental sustainability in development. The denial of entry to Medha Patkar underscores the ongoing struggle between local communities advocating for their rights and authorities enforcing regulations. It is crucial to strike a balance between development and ecological preservation.
NationPress
07/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for Medha Patkar's denial of entry?
Medha Patkar was denied entry due to concerns that her presence might lead to law and order issues during her planned protest against the Sijimali bauxite mining project.
Who issued the notice barring the activists from Rayagada?
The Rayagada district administration, led by District Collector Parul Patawari, issued the notice barring the activists from entering the district.
What is the Sijimali bauxite mining project?
The Sijimali bauxite mining project is a controversial initiative in Odisha that has faced significant opposition from local activists and communities due to environmental concerns.
What are the activists advocating for?
The activists, including Medha Patkar, are advocating for sustainable development practices that respect environmental integrity.
What actions did the district administration take?
The district administration invoked Section 163(3) of the BNSS to impose restrictions on the activists, preventing their participation in protests.
