Rail Link to Bauxite Hills in Odisha:
The government proposed a new broad-gauge railway line from Tikiri to connect Sijimali and Kutrumali bauxite hills in Odisha, notified under the Railways Act, 1989, to facilitate mining operations in bauxite-rich regions.The bauxite hills lie in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts, forming part of the Eastern Ghats, a discontinuous, eroded mountain range along India’s eastern coast.The project has faced strong tribal protests over potential livelihood loss, forest diversion, water security issues, and concerns regarding protection of rights in Fifth Schedule areas.The region is rich in mineral resources and biodiversity but is ecologically fragile, comprising forested hills, tribal settlements, and river systems, making it highly sensitive to large-scale mining and infrastructure projects.
