Bhubaneswar: Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has announced an eight-day padyatra beginning from Dhinkia in Jagatsinghpur district to protest against alleged atrocities by industrial establishments on local residents.
The padyatra will conclude in Bhubaneswar May 3 with a major public gathering at Lower PMG, where leaders from across districts and senior Congress functionaries are expected to participate.
OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das said a party delegation will also meet the Governor and submit a memorandum highlighting their concerns.
Das strongly criticised what he described as injustices committed by industries against innocent people in Jagatsinghpur and several other parts of the state.
He alleged that the state government’s industrial policy has enabled companies to exploit Odisha’s mineral resources without safeguarding the rights of local communities.
The Congress leader further claimed that instead of granting land rights to people who have lived in these regions for generations, the government is facilitating their displacement in favour of industrial projects.
Das noted that the party has previously organised protests and padyatras to support those affected by industrial expansion.
He pointed out that similar concerns have emerged in areas such as Kalinganagar, Chhendipada, Talcher, Mayurbhanj and Rairangpur.
He added that although mining operations have been approved in 34 coal blocks, with work already underway in some, issues of displacement have begun to surface.
The government, Das said has failed to provide adequate support and rehabilitation to affected communities.
