Talcher, Odisha : The peaceful economic blockade movement at Nua Balanda in Talcher has entered its 12th day today. The Talcher economic blockade over road construction has caught the attention of many. Despite the ongoing agitation, the administration, National Highways Authority, NTPC, and JITPL companies have not taken any concrete steps to resolve the issue. Consequently, the agitators have decided to intensify the protest extending it from two hours to ten hours daily, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
As a result, coal-laden trucks on the NTPC road have come to a complete halt today. The protestors, under the leadership of former MP Mahesh Sahu and the Talcher Sachetan Nagarik Manch, have demanded the immediate construction of a new road from Godibandha to Banrapal along the proposed National Highway. They have also sought urgent repair of the existing damaged and muddy road and transfer of the stretch from Godibandha to NTPC to the National Highway authorities. Talcher economic blockade over road construction, summarizes the critical demand of demonstrator.
The slow pace of road construction has caused immense suffering for commuters. Led by former MP Mahesh Sahu, the protestors demanded immediate action to repair the dilapidated road, ensure the construction of the Godibandha–NTPC route by the responsible company, and expedite the four-lane project from Godibandha to Banrapal.
Although the protest has remained completely peaceful, the administration’s indifferent attitude and silence have disappointed the people. The district authorities, favoring corporate interests, have neither intervened nor called for any joint meeting between the Road Department and the concerned companies.
Due to this administrative inaction, the agitation, which previously ran for only three hours from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. will now continue for ten hours daily until further notice. Hariharpur Panchayat President Saubhagya Pradhan stated that the movement would be intensified from today.
The blockade has completely stopped coal transport to NTPC and JITPL. Trucks loaded with coal now line both sides of the road, unable to move. Despite major public sector undertakings like NTPC, MCL, and JITPL operating in Talcher, they too have failed to show concern for the condition of the roads they use regularly, which has drawn public criticism.
Former MP Mahesh Sahu expressed his displeasure, stating that this issue directly affects the interests of the common people, yet local representatives and political parties have chosen to remain silent spectators, which has exposed their insensitivity and inefficiency.
The protest, as announced by the Talcher Sachetan Nagarik Manch, will continue indefinitely until a satisfactory solution is achieved.
Those who actively participated in the movement included District Panchayat President Saubhagya Pradhan, Babulal Satapathy, Suresh Nanda, Gandharba Pradhan, Kalia Sahu, Sanat Kumar Behera, Sripati Pradhan, Girish Chandra Das, and Bijay Kumar Nanda, among others.
Former MP Mahesh Sahu also warned that if the administration and the concerned companies continue to ignore the demands, the agitation will be made even more intense in the coming days.
