Nabarangpur Nuclear Plant Row Escalates as Locals Seek Gram Sabha Consent

Resistance committee alleges land survey and soil testing in Tentulikhunti; MLA says no official project report has reached him

Nabarangpur, Aug. 11 (UDN): The controversy over a possible nuclear power project in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district has intensified, with local groups opposing any move to establish such a facility without prior consultation and approval of the Gram Sabha and Palli Sabha.

The Atomic Power Project Resistance Struggle Committee has alleged that officials associated with NTPC are conducting land surveys and soil testing in the Pujariguda area of Tentulikhunti. The committee has claimed that nearly 600 hectares of land have been identified for the proposed project.

However, there has been no official confirmation so far regarding the alleged land identification, survey or the establishment of a nuclear power plant at the location.

Locals Raise Environmental Concerns

The resistance committee has expressed concerns over the potential impact of the proposed project on agriculture, forests, water resources and the local environment.

Members of the committee have warned that they would intensify protests if any project-related activities are undertaken without consultation with local communities.

BJD leader Pradeep Majhi also voiced opposition to the reported proposal, urging the government to protect the region’s environment and backing the resistance movement.

MLA Says No Official Information Received

Nabarangpur MLA Gauri Shankar Majhi said he has not received any official report or information regarding such a project so far.

He said that if a proposal does come forward, the government would follow the required process of consulting local communities.

“If there is any such proposal, our government will conduct Gram Sabha and Palli Sabha meetings and take their approval before proceeding,” the MLA said.

Demand for Community Consent

The resistance committee has maintained that no project should proceed without obtaining the necessary consent and following applicable legal procedures.

The dispute is now centred on whether any formal proposal exists and whether preliminary activities such as surveys or soil testing are actually underway.

While local groups have demanded transparency and community participation, the absence of an official confirmation has left several aspects of the reported nuclear project unclear.

Further developments are expected as the government clarifies whether any proposal has been formally initiated for the area.