Bhadrak: People of Odisha’s Bhadrak town took out a massive rally and gheraoed district collector’s office in protest against poor road conditions.
According to sources, more than 3,000 people from 15 wards of Bhadrak Municipality and 6 nearby panchayats, led by leaders of different political parties, participated in the rally. Starting from Puruna Bazaar, the rally went around the town and reached Bhadrakali temple.
The agitators raised slogans against the district administration and local legislators for failing to ensure a proper road from Kacheri Bazaar to Bhadrakali temple which serves as main communication source for the local people.
They said though the state government had sanctioned funds for the road after prolonged protests in 2018, the administration has failed in construction of the road. Following the protests, the administration had held an all-party meeting where it was decided to construct a 30-ft road on the stretch.
Accordingly, necessary land was acquired and tenders were invited for construction of the road. The government had also sanctioned Rs 5 crore to implement the project.
“Though the Works department took up the project, the quality of work was very poor. Besides, the administration did not take up repair work regularly. As a result, the road got damaged and virtually got washed out. Now the vehicle owners face a tough task in communicating on the road,” said the protesting people.
The protesters also gheraoed the collector’s office for a long time. Palpable tension prevailed in the area as the agitated people holding placards raised slogans against the administration. However, no untoward incident was reported during the protest.
