Udaipur Mining Area Erupts in Protest: Locals Demand Action on Employment and Environmental Issues

Udaipur- Protests in the Jawar Mines area have intensified as local citizens voice their growing frustrations with Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL). Parliamentarian Dr. Manna Lal Rawat, who recently visited the site, has submitted a detailed report to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, highlighting key issues that have sparked widespread agitation.

Dr. Rawat met the villagers who were staging a dharna-demonstration in Jawar Mines. He engaged with them to understand their demands and concerns, which were subsequently detailed in his report.

Dr Rawat said concerns were raised about certain practices in the Jawar Mines area, including allegations that a trade union leader is reportedly hiring outsiders for financial gain. Additionally, some local leaders are said to be involved in similar activities.

There are also claims that a few employees of Hindustan Zinc Limited from Kerala and West Bengal may be involved in activities related to conversion in nearby settlements. These issues are contributing to heightened sensitivities in the area and could potentially affect the local law and order situation.

Key Concerns Raised by Locals

Employment Issues: One of the primary grievances of the local population is HZL’s failure to provide adequate employment opportunities. The community has long complained about the lack of job prospects, despite the company's substantial operations in the area. This neglect has left many residents feeling marginalized and ignored.

Environmental Pollution: Environmental concerns have also become a major point of contention. The report outlines severe pollution problems linked to HZL’s mining activities:

• Water Contamination: During the rainy season, runoff from the tailing dam has contaminated local wells, fields, and roads, resulting in widespread pollution and mud.

• Air Quality: In the dry season, dust from mining operations has created significant health issues, including respiratory problems for local residents. The environmental degradation has affected water quality and rendered agricultural land barren.

Breach of Agreements: The community is also aggrieved by HZL’s failure to honor agreements made in 2014. The company had committed to providing basic facilities to local Gram Sabhas, but these promises remain unfulfilled. This breach has further fueled local dissatisfaction.

Closure of Essential Services: The closure of critical facilities previously operated by HZL, such as a Kendriya Vidyalaya, a hospital, and an ITI centre, has exacerbated the community's distress. The loss of these services has had a detrimental impact on local residents, who are now facing a shortage of essential resources.

Exclusion from Competitions: Locals have expressed frustration over their exclusion from the Kumar Mangalam All India Competition organized by HZL. The perceived lack of inclusion in such events has further deepened the sense of alienation among the community.

In his report, MP Dr. Rawat has recommended the formation of a high-level committee to address these pressing issues. The proposed committee would include local public representatives and officials from the administration, mining, pollution control, education, and medical departments. The goal is to develop actionable solutions to the problems facing the Jawar Mines area and prevent further deterioration of the law and order situation.