TNI Bureau: Aditya Aluminium has come under criticism for conducting a groundbreaking ceremony for a controversial project in Odisha without obtaining environmental clearance or completing the mandatory public hearing.

The ceremony was held on January 27 at Hindalco’s premises in Lapanga, Rengali block of Sambalpur district, where Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation stone for the expansion of a Rs 21,162 crore aluminium smelting unit. The event was attended by the Chief Minister, Industries and Revenue Ministers, and the district collector.

However, the company has not yet received environmental clearance, nor has a public hearing been held. Records show that Aditya Aluminium applied for environmental clearance on October 3, 2025, and for a public hearing with the Pollution Control Board on January 22, 2026. The Terms of Reference were issued on October 9, 2025.

The move has raised serious questions about compliance with environmental regulations and transparency. Local residents have expressed growing anger, while the government has so far declined to respond to the controversy.