Proposed DMF Fund Allocation Changes Trigger Protests in Jajpur’s Sukinda Mining Belt .

Jajpur,26/10(PPT):The proposed changes to the rules governing the allocation of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds have triggered resentment in Danagadi and Sukinda blocks of Jajpur district, with residents expressing concern that mining-affected communities could lose out on development projects financed by mineral revenues. The controversy has intensified following amendments to the existing rules introduced by the BJP government in Odisha in 2024 and the ongoing survey to identify areas affected by mining. Residents fear that the inclusion of villages in neighbouring districts in the list of beneficiaries could divert a substantial portion of the funds collected in Jajpur to areas outside the district. According to information available locally, a list of directly and indirectly affected villages has been prepared in connection with mining operations in the Sukinda chromite valley, where around 10 mining areas associated with companies such as Tata Steel, Odisha Mining Corporation, Ferro Alloys Corporation (FACOR), Balasore Alloys and Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys (IMFA) are located. Around 70 villages in neighbouring Dhenkanal district, along with some areas of Keonjhar district, are reportedly included in the list. The proposed allocation has raised questions about the interests of communities living in the mining belt of Sukinda and Danagadi. Residents point out that mining has affected their land, water resources and forests, while pollution of air and water has added to their concerns over health and living conditions. “If DMF funds collected in Jajpur district are spent on development in other districts, what will be the fate of the people who have borne the direct consequences of mining?” residents have asked. They fear that the proposed changes could adversely affect development activities in Danagadi block, one of the areas closely associated with mining and industrial operations in the district. The issue has also triggered criticism over the perceived neglect of mining-affected communities. During the previous Biju Janata Dal government, a substantial share of Jajpur’s DMF funds was reportedly spent in Sukinda and Danagadi blocks. Residents fear that the revised approach could weaken the focus on these areas despite the environmental and social costs borne by local communities. Local residents have also expressed displeasure over the alleged silence of the Sukinda MLA, who is also a Minister in the State government, and have sought a clear statement on the issue. They have urged elected representatives to protect the interests of people living in the mining belt. The principal demand is that all villages in the Sukinda chromite valley, along with every village in Sukinda and Danagadi blocks affected by mining, should be included in the beneficiary list. They have also demanded that the lion’s share of Jajpur’s DMF funds be spent on development and welfare measures in these affected areas. Residents have warned that failure to address their demands could lead to a large-scale public agitation in Danagadi block. They have vowed to continue their struggle until the concerns of mining-affected communities are addressed. The dispute has brought the allocation of mining-related development funds into focus, with residents insisting that communities bearing the environmental and social costs of mineral extraction should receive priority in the use of DMF resources.