NEWS CLIPPING. Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Business Standard Date 19 th March , Companies

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1 Publication Business Standard Date 19 th March 2010 Bhubaneswar Page 2, Companies 1

2 Publication The Statesman Date 15 th March 2010 Bhubaneswar Page 13, Orissa Plus 2

3 Publication The Economic Times Date 15 th March 2010 Kolkata Page 1, Front Page 3

4 Publication Business Standard Date 27 th March 2010 Bhubanewsar Page 1 & 3 4

5 Publication The Pioneer Date 16 th March 2010 Bhubaneswar Page 4, Nation 5

6 Publication The Pioneer Date 20 th March 2010 Bhubaneswar Page 3, State 6

7 Publication The Statesman Date 5 th March 2010 Bhubaneswar Page 16,Orissa Plus 7

8 Publication Dainik Jagran Date 24 th March 2010 Bhubanewsar Page 1, Front Page 8

9 Publication Dainik Jagran Date 4 th March 2010 Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 4 Headline Drug addiction greatest curse to society SYNOPSIS: Vedanta, in association with the District Health Committee, has started an awareness campaign on drug de-addiction in Jharsuguda. A programme was organized in the premises of Vedanta s R&R Colony Maa Samaleswari Nagar for the project displaced people on 3 rd March. Speaking at this occasion, the senior medical expert of Vedanta, Dr. K.K. Saran described drug addiction as the greatest curse to the society. He opined that while this bad habit affects the personal health and wellbeing of an individual, it also imparts adverse effects on the society. He stressed the role of women in drug de-addiction process. A street play with the message on drug de-addiction was staged at this occasion. Among others, senior officer Mr. Vargil Lakra, Bandita Behera, Mr. Supreem Das and Mr. Pranya Satapathy were present at this occasion. 9

10 Publication Hindustan Date 4 th March 2010 Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 6 Headline Drug addiction is a curse to society: Mr. Saran SYNOPSIS: Vedanta, in association with the District Health Committee, has started an awareness campaign on drug de-addiction in Jharsuguda. A programme was organized in the premises of Vedanta s R&R Colony Maa Samaleswari Nagar for the project displaced people on 3 rd March. Speaking at this occasion, the senior medical expert of Vedanta, Dr. K.K. Saran described drug addiction as the greatest curse to the society. He opined that while this bad habit affects the personal health and wellbeing of an individual, it also imparts adverse effects on the society. A street play with the message on drug de-addiction was staged at this occasion. Among others, senior officer Mr. Vargil Lakra and Mr. Pranya Satapathy were present at this occasion. 10

11 Publication Dainik Jagran Date 13 th March 2010 Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 4 Headline Women get awareness on benefits of goat farming SYNOPSIS: In line with Vedanta Aluminium Limited s efforts towards women empowerment, the company has started a programme namely Vedanta Asha. Under this programme, the company organized a two-day workshop on goat farming at Laikera and Kirmira blocks of Jharsuguda. More than 40 members from different WSHGs participated in the workshop held at Baiganbud village of Laikera block on 10 th March. These women were imparted training on goat farming during this programme by the Veterinary Officer of the district Dr. Radhe Shyam Das. Similar workshop was held at Bhimajor of Kirmira block on 11 th March. As many as 50 members of different self-help groups attended the workshop. 11

12 Publication Hindustan Date 13 th March 2010 Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 6 Headline Workshop for women held SYNOPSIS: In line with Vedanta Aluminium Limited s efforts towards women empowerment, the company has started a programme namely Vedanta Asha. Under this programme, the company organized a two-day workshop on goat farming at Laikera and Kirmira blocks of Jharsuguda. Members from different WSHGs participated in the workshop held at Baiganbud village of Laikera block on 10 th March. These women were imparted training on goat farming during this programme by the Veterinary Officer of the district Dr. Radhe Shyam Das. Similar workshop was held at Bhimajor of Kirmira block on 11 th March. Vedanta s officials including Mr. Sanjeeb Patnaik, Mr. Varjil Lakra, Nilendra Biswal were present at this occasion. 12

13 Publication Sambad Date 9 th March 2010 Bhubaneswar Page 10, Business News Headline NGOs involved in anti-vedanta stir: Liberium Capital SYNOPSIS: While Vedanta Resources is awaiting approval for Niyamgiri mining lease, the anti- Vedanta stir across the globe is being instigated by different NGOs, as revealed by a major investment bank of UK, Liberium Capital. The organization has questioned the justification of leaving a huge investment opportunity in the name of cultural belief. It has asked whether it is justified to make cultural belief a hurdle for an opportunity to eradicate poverty. The organization has mentioned that it is unfortunate that the project is being delayed due to protests over such issues. Such statement made by Liberium Capital has raised question marks on the reports of Amnesty International, Survival International and ActionAid against Vedanta. It may be noted that uncertainty clouds the future of Vedanta over the allegations that the Vedanta project would destroy the culture and tradition of the Dongria Kondhs residing in Niyamgiri and would hamper the biodiversity of the region. While the project has the capacity to remove poverty from the area, it is being opposed in the name of protecting the culture and tradition of the Dongria Kondh people. The Bank has condemned such efforts to obstruct the progress of the area. The Bank has opined that many other projects are also facing negative response in Orissa like Vedanta s bauxite mining project. As many as 56 industrial houses, which had signed MoUs for their projects in Orissa, are facing such protests. The Liberium Capital has warned the State Government to take immediate steps to resolve this issue. The State Government will announce its final decision on environmental approval within few months. However, the Bank has lauded the developmental activities undertaken by Vedanta in its peripheral areas despite these protests. The company is procuring bauxite from outside for its refinery project situated near the foothills of Niyamgiri. The proposed mining area is situated at a distance of only 5 kilometers from the refinery project. The bank has opined that there is no residential place in this area and the mining project would not lead to any displacement. 13

14 Publication The Samaja Date 15 th March 2010 Bhubaneswar Page 13 Headline Orissa Govt writes letter to Centre: No violation of law in Vedanta projects SYNOPSIS: The Odisha Government has made it clear that Vedanta Group s mining activities in Niyamgiri has not violated any law and is within ambit of the law. Earlier, the Centre pointed out that Vedanta Resources proposed mining project has violated green and tribal norms. In two separate letters this month to officials of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, State Forest and Environment Department Special Secretary BP Singh said the proposed mining by Vedanta Resources jointly with Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) is not in violation of any Act. The letter mentions that since the project area spreads over two separate districts Rayagada and Kalahandi the collectors of these two districts have furnished the relevant certificates pertaining to compliance with provisions of the Forest Rights in respect of the land falling within their jurisdiction. When contacted, Forest and Environment Principal Secretary Upendra Behera said that the State Government written letters to the Union Government to inform them about the findings of the two collectors that in the hectares of land there has been no claim from any tribal or traditional forest dweller. Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Lanjigarh, COO Mukesh Kumar said that the State Government on March 11, 2010, sent two letters to the Environment and Forests Ministry submitting that there is no violation of Forest Conservation Act. 14

15 Publication Sambad Date 16 th March 2010 Bhubaneswar Page 10, Business News Headline Orissa Govt s clarifications in favour of Vedanta: Proposed projects within law SYNOPSIS: The Odisha Government has made it clear that Vedanta Group s mining activities in Niyamgiri has not violated any law and is within ambit of the law. Earlier, the Centre pointed out that Vedanta Resources proposed mining project has violated green and tribal norms. In two separate letters this month to officials of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, State Forest and Environment Department Special Secretary BP Singh said the proposed mining by Vedanta Resources jointly with Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) is not in violation of any Act. The letter mentions that since the project area spreads over two separate districts Rayagada and Kalahandi the collectors of these two districts have furnished the relevant certificates pertaining to compliance with provisions of the Forest Rights in respect of the land falling within their jurisdiction. When contacted, Forest and Environment Principal Secretary Upendra Behera said that the State Government written letters to the Union Government to inform them about the findings of the two collectors that in the 660 hectares of land there has been no claim from any tribal or traditional forest dweller. 15

16 Publication Dharitri Date 4 th March 2010 Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 8 Headline Awareness programme on drug de-addiction SYNOPSIS: Vedanta, in association with the District Health Committee, has started an awareness campaign on drug de-addiction in Jharsuguda. A programme was organized in the premises of Vedanta s R&R Colony Maa Samaleswari Nagar for the project displaced people on 3 rd March. A street play with the message on drug de-addiction was staged at this occasion. Speaking at this occasion, the senior medical expert of Vedanta, Dr. K.K. Saran described how drug addiction leads to downfall of one s character. Among others, senior officer Mr. Vargil Lakra, Bandita Behera, Mr. Saptim Das and Mr. Pranya Satapathy were present at this occasion. 16

17 Publication Sambad Date 5 th March 2010 Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 8 Headline Vedanta organises drug de-addition campaign SYNOPSIS: Vedanta, in association with the District Health Committee, has started an awareness campaign on drug de-addiction in Jharsuguda. A programme was organized in the premises of Vedanta s R&R Colony Maa Samaleswari Nagar for the project displaced people on 3 rd March. A street play with the message on drug de-addiction was staged at this occasion. Speaking at this occasion, the senior medical expert of Vedanta, Dr. K.K. Saran described how drug addiction leads to one s moral downfall and imparts adverse impact on the society. Among others, senior officer Mr. Vargil Lakra, Bandita Behera, Mr. Supreem Das and Mr. Pranya Satapathy were present at this occasion. 17

18 Publication Sambad Date 5 th March 2010 Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 8 Headline VAL observes National Safety Day SYNOPSIS: Vedanta Aluminium Limited (VAL) has observed the 39 th National Safety Day in the premises of its project in Jharsuguda. The labourers and employees of the plan participated in this programme. The Executive Director of VAL Mr. Pankaj Khanna inaugurated the programme. 18

19 Publication The Samaja Date 5 th March 2010 Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 7 Headline VAL observes National Safety Day SYNOPSIS: Vedanta Aluminium Limited (VAL) has observed the 39 th National Safety Day in the premises of its project in Jharsuguda. The labourers and employees of the plan participated in this programme. Inaugurating the programme, the Executive Director of VAL Mr. Pankaj Khanna stressed on the importance of education on safety culture and said that the company is committed towards the safety of the employees and protection of environment. 19

20 Publication The Samaya Date 8 th March 2010 Bhubaneswar Page 13 Headline Market Complex inagurated at Lanjigarh SYNOPSIS: A modern market complex built by Vedanta Aluminium Limited was inaugurated at Lanjigarh by Kalahandi District Collector R.S. Gopalan on 7 th March. There are 16 stalls in the newly constructed building and this will help in economic self-reliance for local unemployed youths in Lanjigarh area, said Mr. Gopalan. Speaking at this occasion, the Chief Operating Officer of VAL, Dr. Mukesh Kumar informed that the initiative was a part of Vedanta's constant effort for creating income generation opportunity for youths. The market complex will provide employment opportunity for 16 youths, he added. The new market complex is constructed with all modern facilities, including water and electricity. This will be handed over to Lanjigarh Gram Panchayat, which will be responsible for its management hereafter. After inaugurating the market complex, the District Collector also inaugurated the new Conference Hall at Lanjigarh Block Office at Biswanathpur. 20

21 Publication The Samaya Date 5 th March 2010 Bhubaneswar Page 10 Headline Vedanta organises drug de-addition campaign SYNOPSIS: As a part of its CSR activities, Vedanta, in association with the District Health Committee, has started an awareness campaign on drug de-addiction in Jharsuguda. A programme was organized in the premises of Vedanta s R&R Colony Maa Samaleswari Nagar for the project displaced people on 3 rd March. A street play with the message on drug de-addiction was staged at this occasion. Speaking at this occasion, the senior medical expert of Vedanta, Dr. K.K. Saran described how drug addiction leads to one s moral downfall and imparts adverse impact on the society. Among others, senior officer Mr. Vargil Lakra, Bandita Behera, Mr. Supreem Das and Mr. Pranya Satapathy were present at this occasion. 21

22 Publication Sambad Date 13 th March 2010 Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 4 Headline Vedanta Asha organises workshop on goat farming SYNOPSIS: In line with Vedanta Aluminium Limited s efforts towards women empowerment, the company has started a programme namely Vedanta Asha. Under this programme, the company organized a two-day workshop on goat farming at Laikera and Kirmira blocks of Jharsuguda. Members from 10 WSHGs participated in the workshop held at Baiganbud village of Laikera block on 10 th March. These women were imparted training on goat farming during this programme by the Veterinary Officer of the district Dr. Radhe Shyam Das. Similar workshop was held at Bhimajor of Kirmira block on 11 th March. Vedanta s officials including Mr. Sanjeeb Patnaik, Mr. Varjil Lakra, Nilendra Biswal were present at this occasion. 22

23 Publication The Samaja Date 13 th March 2010 Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 11 Headline Vedanta Asha organises workshop on goat farming SYNOPSIS: In line with Vedanta Aluminium Limited s efforts towards women empowerment, the company has started a programme namely Vedanta Asha. Under this programme, the company organized a two-day workshop on goat farming at Laikera and Kirmira blocks of Jharsuguda. As many as 50 members from 10 SHGs participated in the workshop held at Baiganbud village of Laikera block on 10 th March. These women were imparted training on goat farming during this programme by the Veterinary Officer of the district Dr. Radhe Shyam Das. Similar workshop was held in Kirmira block on 11 th March. Vedanta s officials including Mr. Sanjeeb Patnaik, Mr. Varjil Lakra, Birendri Biswal were present at this occasion. 23

24 Publication The Samaya Date 13 th March 2010 Bhubaneswar Page 9 Headline Vedanta observes National Safety Week SYNOPSIS: Vedanta Aluminium has observed 39 th National Safety Week from March 4 to March 10, 2010 in order to build awareness about occupational health and safety among its employees and workers. Addressing the closing ceremony, Mr. PC Das, Joint Director (Factories and Boilers), Orissa said that working with Safety should be the attitude of people. Mr. Das, who was Chief Guest of the program also made presentation on importance of safety for industrial growth. Senior Management Team member, project managers and safety managers of the company attended the session. In order to increase awareness about occupational safety and health, the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) department of Vedanta Aluminium organized Essay competitions and Poster competition etc among the employees and other participants. Winners of the competition were awarded prize during the closing ceremony. 24

25 Publication The Samaya Date 14 th March 2010 Bhubaneswar Page 10 Headline Vedanta Asha organises workshop SYNOPSIS: In line with Vedanta Aluminium Limited s efforts towards women empowerment, the company has started a programme namely Vedanta Asha. Under this programme, the company organized a two-day workshop on goat farming at Laikera and Kirmira blocks of Jharsuguda. Members from 10 WSHGs participated in the workshop held at Baiganbud village of Laikera block on 10 th March. These women were imparted training on goat farming during this programme by the Veterinary Officer of the district Dr. Radhe Shyam Das. Similar workshop was held at Bhimajor of Kirmira block on 11 th March. More than 40 women attended this workshop. Vedanta s officials including Mr. Sanjeeb Patnaik, Mr. Varjil Lakra, Nilendra Biswal were present at this occasion. 25

26 Publication The Samaya Date 15 th March 2010 Bhubaneswar Page 7 Headline Vedanta Aluminium organises health camp SYNOPSIS: Vedanta Aluminium Limited has organized a mega health camp at the Railway Station, Jharsuguda. More than 18 medical experts from Burla Medical College and Hospital, Jharsuguda Sadar Hospital and the Railway Division of Chakradharpur attended the camp and provided medical facilities to above 1,000 people and distributed medicines to them at free-of-cost. This innovative initiative of Vedanta was to provide healthcare facilities to the people belonging to the lower strata of the society. Speaking at this occasion, the Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Mr. Abhijit Pati said that Vedanta has organized such a health camp for the first time which aims at providing medical facilities to the poor people residing near the urban areas in Jharsuguda at their doorsteps. He further said that being encouraged by the support of the locals, Vedanta would organize such health camps in future also. Attending the health camp, Jharsuguda Station Master Mr. Das lauded this innovative initiative of Vedanta. 26

27 Publication Sambad Date 15 th March 2010 Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 4 Headline Vedanta organises health camp SYNOPSIS: Vedanta Aluminium Limited has organized a mega health camp at the Railway Station, Jharsuguda. More than 18 medical experts from Burla Medical College and Hospital, Jharsuguda Sadar Hospital and the Railway Division of Chakradharpur attended the camp and provided medical facilities to above 1,000 people and distributed medicines to them at free-of-cost. This innovative initiative of Vedanta was to provide healthcare facilities to the people belonging to the lower strata of the society. Among others, the Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Mr. Abhijit Pati, Jharsuguda Station Master Mr. Das and Mr. Jamil Khan were present at this occasion. Dr. K.K. Saran and Dr. Tribikram Patnaik of Vedanta Aluminium coordinated the health camp. 27

28 Publication The Samaja Date 15 th March 2010 Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 9 Headline Vedanta organises mega health camp SYNOPSIS: Vedanta Aluminium Limited has organized a mega health camp at the Railway Station, Jharsuguda. More than 18 medical experts from Burla Medical College and Hospital, Jharsuguda Sadar Hospital and the Railway Division of Chakradharpur attended the camp and provided medical facilities to above 1,000 people and distributed medicines to them at free-of-cost. This innovative initiative of Vedanta was to provide healthcare facilities to the people belonging to the lower strata of the society. Speaking at this occasion, the Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Mr. Abhijit Pati said that Vedanta has organized such a health camp for the first time which aims at providing medical facilities to the poor people residing near the urban areas in Jharsuguda at their doorsteps. He further said that being encouraged by the support of the locals, Vedanta would organize such health camps in future also. Dr. K.K. Saran and Dr. Tribikram Patnaik of Vedanta Aluminium coordinated the health camp. 28

29 Publication Dharitri Date 15 th March 2010 Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 5 Headline Vedanta provides healthcare facility to porters SYNOPSIS: Vedanta Aluminium Limited has organized a mega health camp at the Railway Station, Jharsuguda. More than 18 medical experts from Burla Medical College and Hospital, Jharsuguda Sadar Hospital and the Railway Division of Chakradharpur attended the camp and provided medical facilities to above 1,000 people and distributed medicines to them at free-of-cost. This health camp was aimed at providing healthcare to the porters working at the railway station. This innovative initiative of Vedanta was to provide healthcare facilities to the people belonging to the lower strata of the society. Speaking at this occasion, the Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Mr. Abhijit Pati reiterated Vedanta s commitment towards providing medical service to the common mass. He further expressed pleasure over the support of the locals to the initiatives of the company. Attending the health camp, Jharsuguda Station Master lauded this innovative initiative of Vedanta. 29

30 Publication Sambad Date 19 th March 2010 Bhubaneswar Page 9, Our State Headline Workshop held on development of Dongria Kondhs SYNOPSIS: Basundhara has organized a workshop on the Development of Dongria Kondhs in the premises of the SC and ST Research and Training Institute. Participating in this workshop, the youth ambassadors of tribal communities discussed on the distribution of land pattas to the tribals and the successful implementation of different provisions under the Forest Rights Act. Speaking at this occasion, many tribal youths opined that majority of the community members is ignorant of the benefits of the Forest Rights Act. The maintained that they can educate more people on the Act by gathering knowledge from the workshop. Jitu Jakesia, an MBA from the community also participated in this workshop. It may be noted that Jitu, after getting his MBA Degree with the help of Vedanta, is now working for the development of Dongria Kondhs. Addressing the workshop, the Director of the Institute Mr. AB Ota said that language is a problem for making the tribal people understand the provisions of the provisions under the Forest Rights Act. So, steps have been taken towards the translation of the Act in 10 major tribal languages. The tribal youths, who participated in the workshop translated the proceeding and talks at the seminar in Kuvi language. Earlier, the Lanja Soura community members were given a briefing on the Act at the institute. 30

31 Publication The Samaya Date 20 th March 2010 Bhubaneswar Page 7 Headline Norms of Forest Conservation Act being violated: Industry watchers NEWS CLIPPING SYNOPSIS: The industry watchers have expressed surprise over the discrimination of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest for the established industrial houses of the state. The experts have opined that adoption of different policies for different projects of the state clearly indicates the Ministry s policy to satisfy the NGOs. It may be noted that the Ministry has criticized the construction by Vedanta Aluminium limited on non-forest revenue land before getting approval for construction on forest land. In a press note issued on 27 th November, 2009 the Union Minister of Environment and Forest had said that the construction on non forest land is not the violation of the Forest Conservation Act. But later, it was said that Vedanta is violating the norms issued by the Ministry as per the Forest Conservation Act and sought clarification from the state government. The state Government, in its reply, had made it clear that Vedanta has started construction on the non forest revenue land provided by IDCO long back. The said clarifications stated that IDCO is state PSU responsible for allotment of land for industrial purposes. In the absence of clarity of matter such constructions could not construe violation of the Act, as stated by the state government. In fact, MoEF itself has confounded the confusion by violating its own guidelines in various cases. This has again happened recently in the case of Aluminium the project near Sambalpur. So, the industry watchers strongly feel that clear cut and uniform guidelines should be spelt out to ensure smooth implementation of the pending projects requiring both forest and non forest lands. 31

32 Publication Sambad Date 22 nd March 2010 Sambalpur/ Bhubanewsar Page 4 Headline Vedanta organises workshop on banking SYNOPSIS: As a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, Vedanta is running a project namely Vedanta Integrated Jana Jivika Yojana in Jharsuguda. Recently a discussion programme was held between the representatives of local banks and the members of the Subhalakshmi Cooperative Society, formed by the SHGs under this scheme. The workshop aimed at making women self-sufficient. The members of the Society, the officials of Vedanta and Access Development Dr. Amulya Sahoo, Mr. Tanmay Mohanty, Mr. Varjil Lakra, Mr. Nilendri Biswal and Mr. Pranay Satpathy attended this programme. 32

33 Publication Samaya Date 26 th March 2010 Bhubanewsar Page 13 Headline Vedanta-sponsored Biju Patnaik Football Tournament inaugurated NEWS CLIPPING SYNOPSIS: All India Biju Patnaik Memorial Football Tournament, being sponsored by Vedanta Aluminium, has been inaugurated on 25 th March at the Mini Stadium in Laikera. 8 teams are participating in this 7-day tournament, which will end on 31 st March. The tournament was formally inaugurated by Tribal Welfare Minister Mr. Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha. Rajya Sabha member Mr. Kishore Kumar Mohanty and Vedanta s administrative officer Mr. Sanu Das graced the occasion as Honourable guests. The inaugural match was played between MEG, Bangalore and DAA, Jharsuguda. The Jharsuguda team has beat Bangalore team in 2-1 goals in this match. 33

34 Website Business-Standard.com Date 19 th March 2010 Headline The twist in the Kondh struggle Towards the end of 2009, the state government s Lanjigarh Area Hospital, in the Lanjigarh block of Orissa s Kalahandi district, was contracted out to Vedanta Alumina Ltd (VAL). This was done under an agreement signed between the district health authorities and the refinery, which is a subsidiary of London-based metals giant Vedanta Resources, promoted by Anil Agarwal. The handing over had been deferred for a year in 2008 due to local opposition the hand-over meant withdrawal of government staff. But, the collector of Kalahandi had written to the director of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in Bhubaneswar that it is imperative for the welfare of the people in the area that the hospital should be provided adequate infrastructure and personnel. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the district health authorities and VAL in September last year. Social responsibility The MoU stated that the hospital would be managed and operated by VAL as a PPP (public-private partnership) under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme. VAL Chief Operating Officer Mukesh Kumar, who signed the MoU, told Business Standard the company had earmarked Rs 3 crore as capital expenditure from the Lanjigarh Project Area Development Foundation (LPADF). The refinery would bear the Rs 1.8 crore annual operating cost of the hospital. The dayto-day running has been handed over to an non-government organisation. Kalahandi is a terribly backward area, with rampant instances of malaria and tuberculosis (TB). Medical facilities are extremely poor in the region and we have been trying to change the situation ever since we started construction of the refinery here in 2004, says Kumar. Our CSR activities started immediately. The LPADF is the result of a Supreme Court order that requires VAL to spend 5 per cent of its profits, or at least Rs 10 crore, annually on the welfare of the local community. The takeover of the hospital is part of the company s strategy to have an overwhelming presence in Lanjigarh, where the 1 million tonne refinery has been operating since September Everything, from the hoardings in the nearest town of Bhawanipatna to the hundreds of trucks that ferry the alumina to the Jharsuguda block smelter to the roads to Lanjigarh, carries the stamp of Vedanta. As do the electric lamp-posts that line the roads and those in nearby villages. In Rengopally, close to the refinery, the anganwadi (government centres that look after the needs of children below six years), has Vedanta overwritten on it. A company spokesman says: We are doing everything. Vedanta is looking after 30,000 under-privileged children through 43 Vedanta Child Care Centres in partnership with the government of Orissa. We will provide mid-day meals to 20,000 school children (this is again a government function mandated by the Supreme Court). We have taken electricity to 13 villages and safe drinking water to

35 According to figures provided by Kumar, VAL has spent Rs crore on CSR activities from to November Additionally, it has contributed Rs crore to the special purpose vehicle for tribal area development in the last three years, all of it aimed at, as a commercial says, changing the face of Kalahandi, a starvation-prone and disease-ridden district. However, the ground realities in Lanjigarh, where the Kutia Kondh (Kondh of the plains) tribe lives, or in Niyamgiri, where the hill tribals or Dongria Kondh live, are not very pleasant. Lingaraj Majhi, 35, of Rengopally, who lost 15 acres to the refinery, claims the red mud effluent ponds of the refinery have led to an increase in cases of TB in the village. Barring some chloroquine tablets that are distributed by mobile vans of the company, we have not got any healthcare. Social workers have reported a high incidence of respiratory and skin ailments in the surrounding villages and residents claim it is due to fly ash contaminating their water and the air pollution from the refinery. The company, for its part, denies any wrongdoing. Kumar says: We are a zero-discharge refinery and there is no pollution at all by the refinery. He maintains that all initial leakages have been set right. Support from tribals The company has some Kondhs on its side. Jitu Jakesika, a 22-year-old from the Sakota village in the hills, is an articulate, educated and charming Dongria Kondh. For five years, he was the face of resistance here and abroad. I was passionate, mad about Niyamgiri. I gave up my studies (he had just finished his school boards) to save my people, to save the mountain, he says, tracing the course of the resistance and his disenchantment with politicians. A year ago, the crusader had a change of heart. I realised that I had been misguided about the dangers of bauxite mining after the company took me to Damanjodi, where Nalco has its mine. Also, I want development for my people. What has anyone done for the Dongria Kondh in years? There are no schools, hospitals, roads and we all die of malaria. Politicians don t care about us at all. Funded by VAL, Jitu is doing an undergraduate course in business management from a private institute in Bhubaneswar, and he says he will work to convince his people that the mining will not destroy their lives. A few of us, the educated boys of our community, have formed an association to support Vedanta. I am sure we can convince the others, he says. Link: 35