Bhubaneswar, Nov 27 (Reporter) Odisha Deputy Chief Minister K B Singh Deo on Wednesday clarified that the BJP government has not permitted the ADANI group to puruchase land around the Gandharmardhan hills, known for rich in medicinal plants and bauxite deposits. Singh Deo said, the government will never take any such steps. He said the previous BJD government had allowed the Adani Group to buy land in the area. The Deputy Chief Minister said the BJP government will not allow any mining activity in Gandhamardan. “Gandhamardan will not be allowed to be destroyed,” adding that he will also join the protest if any mining operation is allowed in the region. The Deputy Chief Minister said this after senior BJD leader and Deputy Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya expressed his concern during zero hour about the apprehension of people in Bolangir and Baragarh district that the land was sold to the multi-national company by the government for bauxite mining. Acharya said a senior forest officer said the land was given to the company for compensatory afforestation. He said the people have already started agitation and the BJD leader wanted the government to clarify whether the government has permitted the company to buy land if not what action it is taking against the company for purchasing land without the permission of the government. Singh Deo said the government will not allow Adani or any other company to set up any industry and destroy the environment. The permission to buy land by Adani group was given by the BJD government. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister said in 1983, the Congress government had signed an MoU with Balco for mining and former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik had signed an agreement with BALCO for Bauxite mining in the hills but both the times the agreements were cancelled following public protest. He said the BJD government led by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had also identified 2000 acres of land for giving to NALCO-vedant for bauxite mining in the area...////...