Jajpur/Dharmasala: Simmering discontentment among women over wagon drilling on Dankari hill under Dharmasala tehsil in Jajpur reached a flashpoint Monday, as irate women set a wagon drilling machine on fire after their attempts to stop the use of the machinery in stone extraction failed.
The incident sparked tension in the area as Jenapur police rushed to the spot and tried to placate the incensed women. Police informed fire brigade personnel but by the time the latter arrived, the machine was completely burnt. The women even tried to prevent fire officials from dousing the flames. The fire was finally put off after the women left the place.
Properties worth `50 lakh were destroyed in the fire. Policemen were deployed at the spot to keep a close watch on the unfolding situation.
Locals alleged some people have taken Dankari hill on lease and were extracting granite stones through the method of wagon blasting which has resulted in heavy pollution in the area. The pollution has resulted in over 25 deaths due to kidney ailments during last two years. Many residents are suffering from tuberculosis and are battling for their lives.
The use of wagon drilling methods has led to spread of fine particles of stones which has polluted the air, water bodies and destroyed crops. The method has also led to tremors in the area following which many houses have developed cracks.
The women took the extreme step after all their attempts to redress their grievances before the leaseholders, district administration, court and human rights commission ended in vain.
They alleged the administration instead of coming to their rescue tried to suppress their protests by coming out in support of the leaseholders. Earlier, the women of Dankari had talked to the leaseholders when the latter had assured them of stopping the wagon drilling method and using only compressors for stone extraction.
Monday’s incident occurred when the leaseholders backed off from their promise and were preparing to carry out wagon drilling on the hill. Acting on a tip-off, hundreds of women reached the site and set one of the three wagon drilling machines on fire.
IIC Jyoti Prakash Panda said action will be taken against the accused after completion of probe. PNN