TFP Bureau, Korba, June 18, 2025: Former State Revenue Minister Jaisingh Agarwal has publicly accused Vedanta Group’s aluminium manufacturing unit, Balco, of acting against public interest with alleged backing from the local district administration. Speaking at the Congress office in TP Nagar, Agarwal criticized the company for reneging on commitments made during a public hearing under the previous Congress government, including promises on environmental protection, local employment, and regional development.
Agarwal highlighted that Balco has been cutting trees unlawfully and ignoring community concerns, accusing the management of illegal occupation of approximately 30 acres of forest land near the fly ash dyke in Rukbahari village. While Balco had obtained permission to use 5 acres of forest land for dense plantation, the company reportedly only filled the area with gravel, expanding its unauthorized footprint. Concrete tanks constructed to prevent fly ash leakage into the Belgiri drain are reportedly causing contaminated water to affect thousands of residents in Nehrunagar, Parsabhata, and Belgiri settlements.
The former minister also raised concerns over fly ash pollution caused by uncovered transport vehicles, which scatter ash along roads and create hazardous dust conditions, especially affecting two-wheeler commuters. Furthermore, Agarwal condemned Balco’s alleged discriminatory hiring practices, noting that despite technical capability, local youth have largely been overlooked in favour of outsiders, contrary to promises made during the plant’s expansion public hearing held over three years ago.
Another major point of contention is Balco’s ongoing tree-felling in BALCO Nagar Sector-6, where thousands of fruit-bearing and shady trees stand. Despite official permission to shift the trees, Agarwal claimed the management is directly cutting them down, shielded by the administration’s inaction. He said he has submitted proof of these illegal and arbitrary actions to the district authorities, but no response or action has been taken.
Expressing frustration at the apparent protection Balco enjoys from local officials, Agarwal warned that if the company’s illegal activities and neglect of local interests continue unchecked, the Congress party will organize a large-scale movement to demand justice for the affected communities.
