“We Will Die, But We Won’t Let the Port Be Built” — Massive Public Opposition in Astaranga
Kakatpur, 21/01 (Tushar Dixit):
Following a 2006 EIA notification and subsequent approval by India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, a port was proposed to be developed in Astaranga. After receiving environmental clearance, the Hyderabad-based Navayuga Company was selected to execute the project by the state government. However, strong opposition during the first public hearing led to legal intervention. The Hon’ble High Court later ordered a fresh public hearing with proper inclusion of local residents from the proposed area.
Accordingly, a second public hearing was conducted today near Pir Jahania beach in Chhuriana panchayat. This hearing witnessed massive resistance, as nearly 15,000 people from coastal panchayats such as Chhuriana, Shisua, Nuagaon, and Astaranga voiced fierce opposition to the port.
The Astaranga region is known for its cultivation of paddy, betel leaves, and fish farming. Many local families sustain themselves by fishing in the nearby rivers and sea. Additionally, the region is blessed with rare coastal forests that provide a natural shield against disasters and serve as a vital ecological zone. Unique wildlife such as the Olive Ridley turtles from Sri Lanka migrate here for nesting, along with various migratory birds and dolphins that frequent this coast.
Environmental expert Bichitrananda Biswal warned that the construction of the port could seriously affect this fragile biodiversity. Local MLA Tusharkanti Behera expressed concern that families could be deceived in the future with false promises of jobs and compensation, resulting in widespread displacement.
BJP youth leader Dibakar Chhatoi asserted that the people will never allow Navayuga to seize Astaranga’s natural wealth and warned of intensified protests ahead. Congress leader Bishwabhushan Das promised to stand with the people till the end and demanded sustained agitation to protect their rights.
According to an IIT Madras report, the company had signed the agreement in 2010, submitted the project report in 2013, and received environmental and forest clearance in 2016. Navayuga planned to implement the port in three phases with a projected cost of ₹7,417 crore. However, following public outcry during the initial hearing and High Court litigation, today’s second hearing concluded with approximately 95% of attendees strongly opposing the project and demanding that Navayuga withdraw.
Puri district’s Additional District Magistrate, who oversaw the hearing, assured that all findings would be reported to the government for a final decision.
