Chhendipada: The district administration in Angul was forced to step back in the face of a large public protest against coal transportation through Kosala village under Chhendipada police limits.
Villagers have been staging a continuous roadside sit-in along the state highway for more than 23 days, opposing the movement of coal-laden trucks through their area.
Sub-Collector Mayadhar Behera, Chhendipada tehsildar and senior police officials, along with more than 20 inspectors, reached the protest site and held discussions with residents late Saturday night.
However, the talks failed to reach any resolution.
According to reports, more than 70 coal-laden trucks from the Naini coal mine have been stranded due to the protest since March 5.
The company had planned to transport the coal from Chhendipada to Angul via Kosala village, triggering strong opposition from locals.
Villagers have been protesting day and night, demanding protection of their land and environment.
A meeting chaired by the District Collector last Wednesday to resolve the issue also ended without a breakthrough.
Despite fresh efforts by the administration to resume transportation, villagers intensified their agitation after learning about the move.
Over 7,000 men and women from the village, along with residents of more than 25 nearby villages in the coal belt, have joined the protest.
Around 1 am Saturday, officials, including the Sub-Collector, three magistrates, two additional SPs, over 20 inspectors and 10 platoons of police force, reached the site for negotiations.
Villagers firmly stated that no coal trucks would be allowed to pass through the village until a new bypass road is constructed.
Faced with the united stand of the protesters and their resolve to protect their land, the administration backed down. The development has further strengthened unity among the villagers.
Former Chhendipada MLA Sushant Kumar Behera, Maa Mati Jana Abhiyan convenor Sasmita Behera, Kosala village committee president Krutartha Dehury, secretary Siddharth Shankar Sahu, sarpanch Udit Pradhan, and members of over 25 village committees, including youth groups, participated in the agitation.