Vedanta plant’s gates are blocked by protesting villagers.

Residents of Bhurkhamunda village in Jharsuguda district, Odisha, protested by blocking gates of Vedanta’s plant to demand resolution of their issues, including pollution-related health problems, lack of job opportunities for local youth, and inadequate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The protest, which began on Friday morning, ended in the afternoon after company officials gave a written assurance to address their concerns within 45 days. The villagers had previously met the district administration and company officials, but the issues remained unresolved. Residents alleged that Vedanta had taken over their land, causing pollution and neglect, and had not delivered on promises made. They demanded relocation and an end to the company’s inaction, citing poor living conditions, including a run-down school, and the need for concrete steps towards development.