MCL mining suspended for agitation

ANGUL: Mining operation in two mines under Mahanadi Coal Fields ( MCL) remained suspended for the fourth consecutive day today due to protest by project affected people demanding immediate steps for compensation and rehabilitation, official sources said.

The two open cast mines - Balaram and Hingola - which produced 50,000 tonnes of coal daily are among the 11 mines under operation by the MCL in the area.

The villagers of Kalamchhuin, located between the two mines, are protesting against their displacement before proper rehabillition and payment of compensation, rehabilitation officer K Majhi said.

Some of the villagers had already taken compensation amount. Besides, MCL had assured job to one member of each displaced family in addition to their proper rehabilitation.

MCL had offered the villagers that they would be rehabilitated after vacating the village while the villagers were insisting that they would do so only after being given appointment orders, compensation amount and rehabilitation facility, he said.