Mining-induced displacement leaves cattle homeless and hungry in Odisha

The pain of displacement has taken a toll not only on residents but also on hundreds of cattle left behind in Ekadal village in Odisha’s Talcher area of Angul district. After villagers moved to a new location to make way for development, the settlement has turned deserted, leaving the animals without proper food, water or care.

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The ill-fated cattle, once sheltered in sheds and cared for like family members, now roam the deserted village streets in search of food. With their owners gone, the animals have been left to fend for themselves.

No Grazing Land or Drinking Water After Mining Began

Every evening, the cattle return to the village and gather near their owners’ damaged and abandoned houses, seemingly waiting for someone to return and care for them. However, their wait remains futile.

Mining activities have reportedly left the village without grazing grounds and adequate drinking water. While some cattle are falling ill, others are struggling with hunger. With little food, water or shelter available, the deserted village roads have become their habitat, forcing some animals to venture towards the main roads in nearby urban areas.

The plight of these voiceless animals has raised concerns over their future. Questions are being raised about who will take responsibility for the cattle left behind in the name of ‘development’.

There are growing demands for the district administration and the Animal Husbandry Department to intervene urgently and arrange food, water, shelter and necessary veterinary care. Without timely intervention, the lives of these animals could face serious risks.

“Several cattle in the Talcher area often fall victim to road accidents, while their calves are sometimes attacked by stray dogs. This is the plight of livestock in the region these days. We urge the administration and mining authorities to take necessary steps to address the issue and ensure the safety of these animals. Arrangements must also be made to provide safe shelter for the cattle and livestock left behind by displaced villagers who have relocated from the area,” a member of Jeeva Surakshya Samiti (an animal protection outfit), Artatrana Pani, told OTV.

Reported By: Prabhat Kumar Pani