Why Was Activist Medha Patkar Denied Entry to Odisha's Rayagada District?

Medha Patkar's Entry Blocked Amid Protests

Bhubaneswar: On Thursday morning, social activist Medha Patkar was barred from entering Rayagada district in Odisha, a region currently embroiled in protests against bauxite mining activities.

Upon her arrival at the Rayagada railway station, Patkar was presented with an order that prohibited her from entering the district for two months, effective from June 4.

This restriction also applies to approximately twenty other activists, including Patkar, who is known for her leadership in the 'Narmada Bachao' movement.

The order, issued by district collector Parul Patawari, cited concerns that the presence of these activists could potentially disrupt public order and impede administrative functions in the area.

Patkar was scheduled to participate in an event organized by the 'Maa Mati Mali Surakshya Manch' on World Environment Day, a group that has been at the forefront of the protests against mining in Rayagada and Koraput.

As she was escorted away from the district, Patkar expressed her discontent, stating, "I am not a terrorist whose presence will create a problem for the people. I am a citizen of the country. We are not against development, but demand for the progress of the nation in a sustainable manner."

Narendra Mohanty, a colleague of Patkar, mentioned that she is in Odisha for a three-day visit.

Following her denial of entry to Rayagada, Patkar plans to travel to Berhampur in Ganjam district and is also expected to attend a program in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

Authorities have deployed around 240 police officers in Kashipur, the focal point of the ongoing protests in Rayagada.