Traffic on the Rourkela–Sambalpur State Highway came to a grinding halt on Saturday after local residents staged a blockade near Jhagarpur under Rajgangpur police limits.
The protest was launched against the alleged illegal land acquisition by Dalmia Bharat Cement Limited at Lanjiberna.
Protesters accused the company of acquiring land without proper consent, compensation, or adherence to legal procedures. Chanting slogans and demanding immediate intervention from the administration, they sat on the highway, forcing vehicles to stop.
As a result, hundreds of trucks, buses, and private cars were stranded for hours on both sides of the road. Long queues of vehicles stretched for kilometres, causing severe inconvenience to commuters and transport operators.
Police from Rajgangpur station rushed to the spot to maintain order and persuade the agitators to withdraw the blockade. Officials initiated talks between the protesters, company representatives, and district administration to seek an amicable resolution.
However, the protesters remained firm, declaring that the blockade would continue until their grievances were addressed and a fair settlement was assured. The situation remains tense, and further updates are awaited.
ALSO READ: Odisha Startup Rank Decline: MSME Minister Blames Previous Govt
