Bondamunda(Sundaragada): Tension gripped Barkani village under Bondamunda police station limits in Sundaragada district after construction work began on a railway line extension linked to the proposed expansion of the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP).
Several villagers opposing the project were reportedly detained by police Monday.
The railway project involves extending the track up to Dumerta railway station to facilitate the proposed expansion of RSP. However, local residents strongly opposed the construction, triggering unrest in Barkani village soon after work began. To prevent any untoward incident and maintain law and order, a large contingent of police personnel was deployed in the area.
Bondamunda police reportedly detained several villagers amid protests against the project. Despite the opposition, construction work continued under the supervision of police personnel and a magistrate. The administration has been closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.
PNN