ROURKELA: THE Paudi Bhuiyan tribals, living around the Khandadhar waterfall, today embarked on a 15day annual ritual with a vow to protect the bioreserve from mining. The mining proposal by Posco in and around Khandadhar has created panic of displacement among the Paudi Bhuiyan tribe and other tribal community of the Lahunipara block. Braving the inclement weather today around 150 villagers led by priest Krushna Dehuri climbed the steep Sanjola hill and performed puja at a small cave, the abode of their presiding deity Maa Kanteswari.
The devotees then brought the miniature metal image of the deity and worshipped Her at the forested Sanjola village where around 2,000 people of various communities participated and 12 goats were sacrificed. People from other tribes like Munda, Gondh, Gour and Paan spanning over the entire Bonai subdivision repose immense faith on Maa Kanteswari.
The worship ritual was followed by taking a pledge to protect the ageold abode of the deity at the cost of their lives in the event of Posco kicking off mining at Khandhadhar. The Khandadhar waterfall is located adjacent to Sanjolo hill.
AntiPosco leader Dibeshini Patel and Khandadhar Surakshya Mahila Mahasangh leader Baita Pradhan exhorted the gathering to protect the biorichreserve and their religious practice at all cost. Villagers pledged to take the fight to entire Bonai subdivision.