Bhubaneswar, 5 June (H.S.): Renowned environmental activist Medha Patkar was reportedly detained by police on Thursday before she could participate in an anti-mining public meeting organised at Hatpada in Kashipur block of Odisha’s Rayagada district. The event, held on the occasion of World Environment Day, aimed to voice opposition to proposed bauxite mining at the Sijimali mines.

The meeting was expected to serve as a platform for local communities, activists, and environmental advocates to raise concerns over the potential ecological and social impacts of mining in the region. Patkar, a leading figure in India’s environmental and social justice movements, was scheduled to address the gathering and express solidarity with the local resistance.

However, sources confirmed that Patkar was intercepted by the police upon arrival at the Rayagada railway station and was not allowed to proceed to the venue.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda