Sundaragada: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday staged an economic blockade in the Hemgir coal mining area of Odisha's Sundaragada district, protesting against the MMDR Amendment Act.

The protest was led by Sundargada MLA and district BJD president Jogesh Kumar Singh. The blockade disrupted mining and transportation activities, with around 10,000 heavy vehicles reportedly stranded on roads and in the mining areas.

Several senior BJD leaders joined the protest, including Nayagarh MLA Arun Sahoo, former ministers Sudam Marndi and Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, former MP Pradeep Majhi, former minister Snehalangini Chhuria, former MLA Barsha Singh Bariha and Roma Ranjan Biswal.

Addressing the protest, BJD leaders criticised the Centre's mining policy and alleged that the Odisha government was maintaining silence on an issue that could affect the state's economic interests.

The party alleged that the Act was aimed at weakening Odisha's rights over its mineral resources. The leaders said Odisha, being one of India's mineral-rich states, should retain its rightful share of revenue, royalties and other financial benefits generated from mining.

According to the BJD, revenue from mineral resources plays an important role in funding development and welfare programmes, including education, healthcare, roads, irrigation, employment generation and development in tribal and mining-affected areas.

The party said any reduction in the state's rights over its mineral resources could adversely affect Odisha's development and the interests of people living in mining areas.

The BJD demanded withdrawal of the Act and protection of Odisha's mineral rights. It also said the state government's economic interests must not be compromised.

The party said it would continue to oppose any law or amendment that it believes goes against Odisha's interests.