Rourkela: Sparking resentment among locals, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) authorities Thursday closed forever a road that had been connecting the people of seven panchayats of Lathikata block with this city for the last 50 years.
The steel plant authorities even rejected the request of Raghunathpalli MLA Subrat Tarai to keep the road, known as Deogaon-Sarana Chhak road, open in the larger interests of people.
The MLA had a discussion with the RSP CEO and people expected some positive result, but in vain.
With the plant authorities putting up prohibition banners at both ends of the road, it has been decided to repair a narrow road, which is not even wide enough for an auto-rickshaw to pass, to prevent complete disruption of communication, it was learnt.
Meanwhile, many people including those working in private sectors, marginal traders, vegetable farmers and senior citizens of seven panchayats are in deep trouble as they have to travel extra 10 kilometers to reach Rourkela.
At the moment, there is only one option for over one lakh people – to travel through Hockey Chhak. This would create untold problems, especially for school students who attend tuition classes in coaching centres in important locations like Civil Township and Koel Nagar of the city.
“We are now spending Rs 50 as auto fair to reach the city after the closure of the road. This is pinching our pockets,” said some students.
MLA Tarai Monday visited the spot where the road was closed with dumping of iron slag. He apprised the plant officials of the problem faced by the people who solely depend on the road. It is not possible for so many people to enter the city through Hockey Chhak at Panposh, the MLA said.
