Koraput: Hundreds of residents of around 20 villages under Lakshmipur block in the district have demanded development of the locality as a condition for allowing bauxite mining at the Kondingamali hill situated in the area.

"The majority of villagers depends on the Kodingamali hill to eke out a living. Once mining takes place, they will loose their livelihood. Also, several perennial sources of water will dry up. Though we are not opposing to mining activities, but demand for proper development of the area," said Titijhola villager Sunil Bidika.

An official said the Odisha Mining Corporation had obtained the mining lease or around 428 hectares of the Kodingamali hill and started its preliminary works.

The demands include establishment of a hospital, safe drinking water facility at the villages, electrification in the area with street lights, massive plantation, employment to qualified youths in the corporation and a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the affected families for construction of their homes among others.

Recently, the villagers had blocked the only road leading to the mining areas near Raulipadar village, demanding to fulfil their listed demands.

"Officials concerned have assured us of giving a sincere look into our demands, for which we have removed the road blockade and suspended our agitation. If our demands are not fulfilled, we will intensify our agitation and mining works will not be allowed in the Kodingamali hill," said Niranjan Sahu, another villager.

Officials said that on a priority basis, the infrastructure at the peripheral villages would be strengthened under the corporate social responsibility fund and the work had already begun.

"The district administration is implementing the CSR fund and a detail project has been prepared to develop the peripheral villages. As regard to providing jobs to the local youths, it is beyond our capacity and the same will be intimated to the state government for necessary action," said an official.