The Statesman reported that villagers affected by the TATA Sponge coal mine gave a cautious welcome to the proposed mine and washery in Angul. They asked that the company to pay them compensation of INR 25 million per acre and make sure it protected the environment in the area.

As per report, around 25 people discussed the project at a public hearing in Gopinathpur Jungle village near Angul. The coal project will have a capacity of 5 million tonne per annum.

Speakers at the hearing focused on environmental degradation following industrialization in the region. They stressed the need for a comprehensive action plan to protect the environment.

Environmentalists and local leaders spoke at the hearing, which was also attended by the company's general manager.

The TATA Sponge company proposes to use the coal mine and washery to supply its sponge iron plant in Keonjhar district.

(Sourced from The Statesman)