The Times of India
Tribals oppose construction of railway track to Utkal Alumina Limited
Edited by : AL CIRCLE
2 min read
Opposing construction of a railway track leading to Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL) at Rayagada's Doragurah under Kasipur block, around 600 tribals congregated at Bilamalo Chhak on Sunday.
They alleged that the proposed track will encroach on the road connecting at least five villages. "In past months, we have met the district administration to air our apprehensions but to no avail. The railway track will deny us our right of way," said an agitator. They have been on a dharna since Friday.
Sources said though the company has constructed a new road, the villagers are not impressed and said it was too narrow for movement of heavy vehicles. "The existing road constructed under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana should not be damaged for a railway track. We will continue the stir till the administration assures us in writing that the track will no longer be constructed along this stretch," said Bhagirathi Majhi, another villager.
Collector (Rayagada) Sashi Bhusan Padhi said UAIL had acquired the land on which the road exists and the company now wants to construct a railway track on it to its plant at Doragurah. "The villagers are unwilling to part with the old road. Talks are on and we are hopeful of an early solution," the collector said.
The UAIL, a subsidiary of Kumar Mangalam Birla's Hindalco group, has set up a 1.5 million tonne per annum alumina refinery at Doragurah.
They alleged that the proposed track will encroach on the road connecting at least five villages. "In past months, we have met the district administration to air our apprehensions but to no avail. The railway track will deny us our right of way," said an agitator. They have been on a dharna since Friday.
Sources said though the company has constructed a new road, the villagers are not impressed and said it was too narrow for movement of heavy vehicles. "The existing road constructed under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana should not be damaged for a railway track. We will continue the stir till the administration assures us in writing that the track will no longer be constructed along this stretch," said Bhagirathi Majhi, another villager.
Collector (Rayagada) Sashi Bhusan Padhi said UAIL had acquired the land on which the road exists and the company now wants to construct a railway track on it to its plant at Doragurah. "The villagers are unwilling to part with the old road. Talks are on and we are hopeful of an early solution," the collector said.
The UAIL, a subsidiary of Kumar Mangalam Birla's Hindalco group, has set up a 1.5 million tonne per annum alumina refinery at Doragurah.
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