The Sundergarh branch of the community was once possessed by a rapacious goddess named Kankala Devi, who consumed trees, soil and everything else.

In despair, the Pauri Bhuiya placed her on a rock, which she ate through as well—creating a deep hole from which poured out the Khandadhara (split-rock waterfall).

They stole her and brought her back to Sundergarh, and so her bounty became theirs.”[5] The Kalinga Commercial Corporation Limited operates the Kurmitar mine on the Khandadhar hill range spread over 133 hectares.

The state owned Odisha Mineral Corporation has mines in the area spread over 1,212 hectares, with agreement signed with Adhunik Metaliks and Rexon Strips for the supply of iron ore.

The Odisha government intends to lease out 2,500 hectares to POSCO India, which has led to local protests, and the matter has gone to court.