People most come forward to save natural resources from corporate loot . “ - Prashant Bhushan

By Bijay Mishra
Bhubaneswar, 10-09-23

“Odisha became the epicentre of mining corruption and the State & Union Government jointly responsible for it”- told Mr Prashant Bhushan, Sr Advocate,Supreme Court. After attacking the Govt in a large meeting at Puri on last Saturday on Vedanta University issue and meeting senior political leaders of various opposition parties , Editors & Media persons , leaders of various public movements , Activists , Advocates and other intellectuals  of the State in his last 3 days visit to Odisha , Mr Bhushan , in a Press Meet on Sunday at Bhubaneswar , urged the people to come forward to save the natural vast resources from corporate loot . 

Addressing the Press , Mr Bhushan told that , the State Govt yet not recovered around 3000 crore of rupees fine from illegal mining . Coal mines in the forest area and human habitats are illegal handed over to corporates ,leading to huge displacement , deforestation and pollution. We can’t consume everything, we most keep required natural resources for our future generations. 

He told that “A legal notice will be served within 7 days to the Odisha Govt to return back land to the Puri people, illegally acquired for Vedanta University and within a limited time , if land will not be returned as per Supreme Court order , then Contempt Petition will be filled against the Govt “ - told Mr Prashant Bhushan. 

Organising the Press Meet , Ex MLA and leader of the people’s movement congratulated Mr Bhushan for his continuous legal efforts to save the natural resources of the country . “ By handling over vast land of Jagarnath to Vedanta , Govt had pushed the people of Puri to be the “Praja” of Vedanta . However in its historical judgment, SC undo it . 

Senior leader Mr Jagarnath Pattanaik call for mass movement to protect land , forest water and other natural resources for our future generation. 

Among others , Senior leader Mr Niranjan Pattanaik, Mr Bhajman Behera , Mrs Sashmita Behera and Social Activist Padma Charan Naik were present in the Press Meet .