Odapada: Tension prevailed at Bhushan Steel Ltd after locals demanding peripheral development gheraoed the main gate of the plant at Kantabania here in Dhenkanal district Monday.
The protesters, including residents of Narendrapur, Talabahal, Ganthigadia and Itap villages, demanded drinking water facilities, construction of roads and bridges and other developmental works in the area.
According to reports, residents of Narendrapur first reached the plant site at 6 am and submitted a memorandum citing their demands. They relented after the company authorities agreed to resolve their demands.
Moments after their departure, residents of Talabahala under Banarpal block in Angul district arrived at the plant and demanded a permanent bridge across Kisinda nullah and sought steps to ensure drinking water facility to their village.
They staged a sit-in over their demands when villagers of Ganthigadia and Itap joined them in hordes.
Later, a tripartite meeting comprising the representative of villagers, company authorities and Kantabania police was held. The company officers claimed that development projects are being undertaken continuing at many places and efforts would be made to complete pending projetcs.
The company officials said they will attend the RPDAC meeting at Dhenkanal sub-collector’s office scheduled for July 1 and will deliberate on the demands of the villagers.
Following this assurance, the villagers called off their agitation and normalcy was restored in the plant. PNN
