Paralakhemundi: The controversy over the 9-day Mahendra Mela starting from June 1 in Mahendragiri in Gajapati district is not going to stop. On one side, there are the demand for mythological traditions and religious demands; on the other hand, the existence of environmental protection, tribal rights, and culture is being raised. As the administrative preparations for the fair have reached the final stage, tribal organizations and environmentalists have intensified their agitation against it.
In this context, hundreds of tribals came in procession today and protested in front of the district collector’s office and submitted a memorandum. According to the tribals, Mahendragi Hill is a protected and sensitive ecological area, but the large-scale organization of the fair is destroying the forests, water sources, and natural environment. It is alleged that the tribal traditions, beliefs, and culture associated with Mahendragiri are also being undermined. Therefore, all illegal excavation and construction work in Mahendragiri should be stopped immediately; the Mahendra Mela should be cancelled; an impartial investigation should be conducted into the smuggling of ancient idols and Shivalingas; the rights of the tribals of Sabar to land, forests, and water should be ensured; and the Mahendragiri Mahaprabhu Endowment Trust formed in 1987 should be reactivated, as the demands mentioned in the memorandum are mentioned.
Despite complaints and demands being submitted to the administration for a long time, no permanent solution has been found yet. Moreover, the talks to resolve the dispute have not been successful. Therefore, seeing the situation getting serious, the tribal organizations have now taken refuge in the law. The tribal leaders have said that the agitation will continue until justice is provided even after the case reaches the High Court.
