Odisha Against MMDR Act 2026 — Protect Odisha’s Mineral Resources & State Rights
The Issue
Protect Odisha’s Mineral Resources, State Rights and the Interests of Our People
Petition by Odisha Loka Dala
Odisha is one of India’s major mineral-producing states. Its mineral resources have contributed significantly to the country’s industrial and economic development. At the same time, mining directly affects Odisha’s land, forests, water resources, environment, communities and state finances.
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was passed by both Houses of Parliament on 13 August 2026. Among other provisions, the amendment expands central control over regulation of mineral-bearing lands and restricts state governments from imposing specified levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands except under conditions prescribed by the Central Government.
Odisha Loka Dala believes that any change affecting Odisha’s mineral resources and revenue must protect the constitutional and financial interests of the State and the legitimate interests of the people who live in mineral-rich regions.
We therefore demand:
1. Review the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026
The Union Government should undertake a comprehensive review of provisions affecting the powers, revenue and responsibilities of mineral-producing states.
2. Protect Odisha’s fiscal interests
Odisha’s legitimate revenue interests arising from its mineral resources should not be weakened or restricted without adequate consultation with the State Government and the people of Odisha.
3. Protect the federal structure
Decisions concerning Odisha’s mineral-bearing lands and natural resources should respect the constitutional distribution of powers between the Union and the States.
4. Ensure Odisha receives a fair share from its mineral wealth
Mineral-rich communities and the State should receive an appropriate and transparent share of the economic benefits generated from Odisha’s natural resources.
5. Strengthen environmental and social safeguards
Mining-related development must adequately protect forests, water resources, agricultural land, livelihoods and communities affected by mining.
6. Consult Odisha before implementing major changes
The Union Government should engage with the Government of Odisha, elected representatives, affected communities, experts and civil society before implementing provisions that substantially affect the State’s mineral governance and revenue framework.
Our Appeal
We are not against responsible development or sustainable mineral utilisation. We seek a framework that balances national development with Odisha’s constitutional rights, economic interests, environmental responsibilities and the welfare of its people.
Odisha has contributed immensely to India’s growth through its mineral resources. The people of Odisha deserve transparency, accountability, environmental protection and a fair economic return from those resources.
We call upon the Government of India to:
Review and reconsider provisions of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026 that may affect Odisha’s constitutional powers, mineral revenue and interests, and ensure meaningful consultation with Odisha before implementation.
Join the Petition
If you believe Odisha’s mineral resources should be managed with transparency, constitutional balance, environmental responsibility and the interests of Odisha’s people in mind, sign this petition and support the call for a fair and consultative framework.
Campaign: #OdishaAgainstMMDRAct2026
Campaign by: Odisha Loka Dala
#SaveOdisha #Odisha #MMDRAct2026 #OdishaLokaDala
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The Issue
Protect Odisha’s Mineral Resources, State Rights and the Interests of Our People
Petition by Odisha Loka Dala
Odisha is one of India’s major mineral-producing states. Its mineral resources have contributed significantly to the country’s industrial and economic development. At the same time, mining directly affects Odisha’s land, forests, water resources, environment, communities and state finances.
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was passed by both Houses of Parliament on 13 August 2026. Among other provisions, the amendment expands central control over regulation of mineral-bearing lands and restricts state governments from imposing specified levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands except under conditions prescribed by the Central Government.
Odisha Loka Dala believes that any change affecting Odisha’s mineral resources and revenue must protect the constitutional and financial interests of the State and the legitimate interests of the people who live in mineral-rich regions.
We therefore demand:
1. Review the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026
The Union Government should undertake a comprehensive review of provisions affecting the powers, revenue and responsibilities of mineral-producing states.
2. Protect Odisha’s fiscal interests
Odisha’s legitimate revenue interests arising from its mineral resources should not be weakened or restricted without adequate consultation with the State Government and the people of Odisha.
3. Protect the federal structure
Decisions concerning Odisha’s mineral-bearing lands and natural resources should respect the constitutional distribution of powers between the Union and the States.
4. Ensure Odisha receives a fair share from its mineral wealth
Mineral-rich communities and the State should receive an appropriate and transparent share of the economic benefits generated from Odisha’s natural resources.
5. Strengthen environmental and social safeguards
Mining-related development must adequately protect forests, water resources, agricultural land, livelihoods and communities affected by mining.
6. Consult Odisha before implementing major changes
The Union Government should engage with the Government of Odisha, elected representatives, affected communities, experts and civil society before implementing provisions that substantially affect the State’s mineral governance and revenue framework.
Our Appeal
We are not against responsible development or sustainable mineral utilisation. We seek a framework that balances national development with Odisha’s constitutional rights, economic interests, environmental responsibilities and the welfare of its people.
Odisha has contributed immensely to India’s growth through its mineral resources. The people of Odisha deserve transparency, accountability, environmental protection and a fair economic return from those resources.
We call upon the Government of India to:
Review and reconsider provisions of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026 that may affect Odisha’s constitutional powers, mineral revenue and interests, and ensure meaningful consultation with Odisha before implementation.
Join the Petition
If you believe Odisha’s mineral resources should be managed with transparency, constitutional balance, environmental responsibility and the interests of Odisha’s people in mind, sign this petition and support the call for a fair and consultative framework.
Campaign: #OdishaAgainstMMDRAct2026
Campaign by: Odisha Loka Dala
#SaveOdisha #Odisha #MMDRAct2026 #OdishaLokaDala
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Petition created on 22 September 2026