Residents of three villages in Odisha’s Angul district have alleged betrayal over unfulfilled promises of employment and skill training linked to the aluminium park project at Tulasipala panchayat.
In 2012, around 199 acres of land were acquired in two phases by the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) for establishing the aluminium park. Nearly 300 families from Tulasipala, Languliabeda, and Gadarkhai villages surrendered their land, reportedly in the hope of securing jobs and improved development opportunities near their homes.
Villagers claim that the administration had assured land-losers of employment and training once industries began operations at the park. However, fourteen years later, although five companies are currently functioning there, locals allege that neither employment opportunities nor skill development training has been provided to them.
Some residents further claimed that they were threatened when they approached company authorities seeking jobs. Expressing his dissatisfaction, land-loser Manoj Sahu said that villagers had initially welcomed the project believing it would bring prosperity and employment. “Land of nearly 400 people was taken, yet not even 10 locals are working here,” he alleged, adding that those who raise their voices are warned of police complaints.
Anger among the residents has intensified, with villagers warning that they may shut down the aluminium park if their demands remain unaddressed. Allegations have also surfaced regarding irregularities in the proposed acquisition of an additional 254 acres during the third and fourth phases of the project.
