Bhubaneswar: Citizens under the banner of the ‘Save Sainik School, Remove Dump Yard’ campaign staged a silent protest Saturday at the main gate of Sainik School here, demanding the closure of an illegal dump yard operating behind the institution for the past 18 years.
Wearing black masks and tape over their mouths, hundreds of residents symbolically expressed their frustration over prolonged health hazards and environmental degradation caused by the dump yard, which operates without environmental clearance or Pollution Control Board approval.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Odisha High Court has prompted the State Government, Defence Ministry, Pollution Control Boards, and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) to submit detailed affidavits.
Bhubaneswar Development Authority Chairman Vasudev Bhatt has been directed to respond by August 4.
Despite numerous protests, road blockades, and even the symbolic inauguration of an alternative facility at Palasuni by residents, the government has renamed the site as a temporary waste management centre, further angering locals.
The BMC has reportedly filed police cases against several protestors, including community leaders.
The dump yard has affected thousands living in Gadakana, VSS Nagar, Mancheswar, and nearby areas, impacting institutions like Sainik School and Utkal University.
Before coming to power, the ruling BJP had joined a 40-day-long protest at the site, with even the Chief Minister and senior leaders assuring resolution within two days of forming the government.
However, nearly one and a half years later, there has been complete silence from their side. Campaigners, including The movement is set to intensify in the coming days, according to activist and campaign leader Bhikhyakari Tripathy and senior members, including Vasudev Bhatt and Ashok Paikaray.
PNN