NALCO's red mud pond causes sadness for villagers due to damage and pollution caused by the waste.

Residents of Dengajaniguda village in Koraput, also known as Sunabeda, are facing a major issue caused by the red mud pond of the nearby NALCO plant in Damanjodi. According to the villagers, the toxic industrial waste from the plant is seeping into their water sources and farmland, causing great distress and health risks. The locals claim that the wastewater containing caustic soda is not only contaminating their agricultural fields but also being used for their daily needs, such as drinking and cooking.

This has resulted in a rise of various health issues among the villagers. Dengajaniguda is a small village with a population of around 600 people, most of whom belong to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories. Despite the NALCO plant being operational for more than forty years, the village has not seen any development or basic amenities.

The villagers allege that while thirteen other villages were displaced during the establishment of the plant, Dengajaniguda was left out and has been neglected ever since. The village lacks proper roads and safe drinking water facilities, forcing the residents to struggle for basic necessities. The contaminated water has also caused skin diseases and other health complications among the villagers.

During summers, the dry red mud from the pond turns into dust and spreads through the air, making it difficult for the villagers to even breathe. In the monsoon season, the situation becomes even worse. The villagers have also noticed that their livestock, including cows, goats, and sheep, fall ill and die prematurely after consuming the polluted water.

Some villagers have also reported facing social problems due to the poor water quality. They claim that people from neighboring villages are hesitant to marry their daughters into Dengajaniguda, fearing the contaminated water. Those who do come, often leave within a few months.

The prolonged use of chemically contaminated water has also caused health complications among the elderly residents, such as vision problems and swelling of limbs. Despite repeated complaints to the district administration and company authorities, the villagers have not received a permanent solution. Although three tube wells have been installed in the village, they also supply contaminated water.

As a result, the villagers have to travel nearly eight kilometers to a hill stream in Mujang panchayat to collect safe drinking water. The Koraput MP, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, has assured the villagers that he will take up the matter with the NALCO chairman and the Union minister of mines. He also plans to raise the issue in the Parliament.

The Mujang Sarpanch, Kunu Bhoi, has alleged that despite facing numerous hardships caused by the NALCO project, the company has failed to provide basic facilities such as drinking water, healthcare, and education. He has warned that the villagers may resort to protest if their issues are not resolved. The Koraput Collector, Manoj Satyawan Mahajan, has held discussions between the NALCO officials and the villagers after the matter was brought to his attention.

He has directed the Dasmantpur BDO to address the various issues faced by the village. Meanwhile, the NALCO General Manager of the Damanjodi unit, CM Mahanta, has stated that the company will soon resolve basic problems such as electricity, drinking water, and roads in Dengajaniguda village through funds from the District Mineral Foundation.