Wed Nov 27 16:52:17 UTC 2024: ## Odisha Deputy CM Denies BJP Role in Adani Land Acquisition Near Gandhamardan Hills
**Bhubaneswar, Odisha** – Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, today refuted allegations that the BJP government permitted the Adani Group to acquire land near the Gandhamardan hills. He firmly stated that the BJP government has not allowed, and will not allow, any land purchase by the Adani Group in the area for mining purposes. Deo countered claims made by the opposition BJD, asserting that the previous BJD government, under Naveen Patnaik, had granted the Adani Group permission to acquire land for compensatory afforestation. This land acquisition was reportedly linked to the Adani Group’s coal mining project in Sundargarh district.
The controversy arose after BJD MLA Prasanna Acharya raised concerns during the Zero Hour, citing public apprehension in Bolangir and Bargarh districts regarding the land sale. Acharya highlighted a forest officer’s statement that the land was allocated for compensatory afforestation. He demanded clarification on the government’s role and potential action against Adani for unauthorized land acquisition.
Deo challenged the BJD to verify which government granted the initial permission, emphasizing that the BJP’s commitment lies in protecting the Gandhamardan hills, declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site. He vowed to join any protests against mining activities in the area. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari further elaborated, highlighting past attempts by various governments to mine in the area, all of which faced public opposition and were eventually cancelled. He clarified that the current Adani land acquisition is solely for compensatory afforestation, with the company obligated to return the afforested land to the government. The Gandhamardan hills are renowned for their biodiversity, boasting 1,200 plant species and 500 animal species.
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