Chandbali: The demand for revenue division (RD) status for Chandbali in Bhadrak has cropped up again with local residents, intellectuals and various outfits launching a massive campaign.
They argue that the area is an important one in the district and has the requisite infrastructure to be made a revenue division.
Sangrami Sena, a local outfit, initiated the campaign from Kali puja and plans to send 1 lakh post cards to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over the issue.
They strongly believe that the drive will certainly help fulfill their dream.
The demand is not new, though. This was raised in May 2017 by some persons and social outfits. An all-party meeting had been held and the government was apprised of their demand.
But activists lamented that their demand has not cut any ice with the government. To build much pressure on the government, this latest drive will be intensified, said local residents.
Chandbali is a place where ancient post city had prospered eons ago. It was the gateway of maritime activities of ancient Utkal to various countries in Asia.
Significantly, Dhamra port in Chandbali is the second deepest port of Asia while the area also hosts DRDO and Abdul Kalam island.
There are several other factors which make the place important. Industrialisation has been set in motion due to the port in the area while land acquisition has been on in full swing. In view of threat of intrusion through coastal route, coastal security has been a prime concern of the government here.
The area has a number of ancient monuments and potential for tourism due to beaches. Tourists have facility of taking the water route to the world famous Bhitarakanika national park from Chandbali.
PNN
