Keonjhar/Ghasipura: In a jolt to Belabahali villagers, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to set up a bridge at the site proposed in 2015 across river Kusei as part of the expansion of NH-215 in Keonjhar district.
A decision to this effect was taken after the site’s inspection and an investigation.
According to reports, local people had clashed with the police at Belabahali in July 7, 2015 in protest against the proposed bridge at the site. Many locals and officials were wounded in the clash after which the police had cracked down on the locals for a few months. About 118 persons including 63 women were arrested in this connection.
Sources said the Union road and surface transport ministry issued an order for setting up a bridge at the proposed site.
Meanwhile, locals have sharply reacted on the order and warned of an agitation.
Rajesh A Hardas, project officer of NHAI, told reporters Sunday that in view of earlier violence over the issue, the help of the district administration will be sought for construction of the bridge.
Meanwhile, Pramod Kumar Prusty, secretary of Belabahali Surakhya Manch, said, “We had agitated for safety of our panchayat. But the government did pay heed to our problem. We will again start agitation till our demand is fulfilled.”
However, Sanjay Mishra, president of Anandapur Lawyers’ Association, welcomed the decision. “The decision will pave way for completion of NH-215, the lifeline of Keonjhar. Some political leaders instigated villagers to oppose the project. NH-215 expansion should not be given political dimension.” PNN
