Jajpur: Even as preparations are in last leg for laying the foundation stone of the 160-km long Dhamara-Angul gas pipeline at Haripur in the district, locals have no clue about the project.
This has pushed the success of the project into uncertainty. Residents are confused over the likely impact of the project on their lives. This stems from the facts that no details are available on the amount of forest land to be used and the amount of land of the villagers will be required to cede.
People are also ignorant about the route through which the pipeline will pass in the district before it connects Dhamra in Bhadrak district. They are not aware on the amount of compensation they would be getting for possible loss of their land.
The foundation stone for the 36-inch natural gas pipeline is being put up by the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) on behalf of the Union ministry of petroleum and natural gas at Haripur under Sukinda block.
Analysts believe that the laying of the foundation stone is an attempt to improve the political prospects of the BJP which is not in a favourable position in Sukinda block and received only 9.83 per cent of votes during the 2017 panchayat elections.
It was alleged that the pipeline work will destroy large swaths of forest lands and farmlands of poor tribals as it will pass through areas in Dhamara, Bhadrak, Vyasanagar, Danagadi and Sukinda before it connects Angul.
Sources said the project has so far not received any permission to acquire the forest land with only a few hours left for laying the foundation stone.
This apart, no reports have been prepared yet on the possible impact the pipeline will have on the rivers and water bodies, railway lines, national and state highways.
People are also panicked about the possible hazards that may arise from the gas pipeline which will carry highly inflammable gas and petrol through pipes.
The project will affect the livelihood of over 50,000 truckers and tanker owners in Bhadrak, Jajpur and Angul districts even as transporting goods by trucks has become easier with application of modern technology.
When contacted, Alekh Prasad Rout, sarpanch of Haripur panchayat said they will never compromise on the security of people as the pipeline is being laid without details being shared with them. PNN
