TNI Bureau: When Anil Agarwal, the chairman of Vedanta Resources, arrived in Bhubaneswar for the Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha Conclave, he faced an unexpected and powerful display of dissent. The Green Odisha Team staged a dramatic protest against Anil Agarwal displaying black flags to voice their opposition to the environmental hazards posed by the red mud pond in Lanjigarh.
The demonstration, which took place amid rising concerns over pollution and ecological damage, highlighted the persistent struggle of local communities against industrial waste and its impact on their land, water, and livelihoods.
In Lanjigarh, Odisha, Vedanta’s red mud pond has become a major source of environmental destruction, severely affecting local farmland and water sources. Red mud, a toxic byproduct of alumina refining, contains hazardous substances like heavy metals, caustic soda, and radioactive elements. When improperly managed, it can have devastating effects on agriculture, soil fertility, and human health.
Recently, a breach in the red mud pond at Vedanta’s refinery led to large-scale contamination of nearby farmlands. The toxic sludge overflowed, covering fertile fields in a thick layer of red, rendering the land unsuitable for cultivation. Farmers who rely on these lands for their livelihood have expressed anger and distress, as their crops are now destroyed, and the long-term impact on soil health remains uncertain. Many fear that the land will not be able to support farming for years due to the high alkalinity and toxicity of red mud.
Villagers also worry about the contamination of nearby water bodies. During heavy rains, the sludge seeps into local streams and groundwater, posing a serious health hazard to those who depend on these sources for drinking and irrigation. There have been reports of livestock falling sick after coming into contact with polluted water, adding to the economic losses of the affected communities.
This is not the first time Vedanta’s red mud pond has caused damage. Previous leaks and spills have sparked protests, with villagers demanding better waste management and stronger environmental regulations. Despite repeated complaints, locals argue that the company has not taken adequate measures to prevent such incidents. The latest disaster has fueled fresh protests, with people demanding compensation and accountability from Vedanta.
Environmental activists have raised concerns that continued mismanagement of red mud disposal in Lanjigarh could lead to irreversible damage to the region’s ecosystem. They warn that if immediate action is not taken to contain and treat the spill, more farmlands will be lost, water sources will become increasingly toxic, and the health risks for villagers will grow. The situation has once again highlighted the ongoing tension between industrial expansion and environmental sustainability in Odisha.
Vedanta has repeatedly defended its actions, emphasizing its contributions to infrastructure, healthcare, and education through corporate social responsibility programs. Yet, for the communities affected by its projects, these efforts do little to erase the scars of past conflicts and the ongoing environmental damage they allege.