DASPALLA: (Report- Ratnakar Hota): The Khurda-Balangir railway project is facing a major roadblock. Displaced families in the Dashapalla region have launched a protest, stopping construction work for the last four days. On Friday, government officials finally reached the site to hold talks with the protesters. 
Khurda-Balangir Rail Project Halted: Displaced Families Demand Fair Pay


A History of Struggle

The protesters are victims of double displacement. Years ago, about 51 families lost their homes to make way for the Kuanria Dam project. At that time, the government moved them to Buguda and Buguda Colony.
However, the families claim the government failed them. While they received temporary land papers (pattas), they never received permanent ownership. Furthermore, the resettlement area lacked basic needs like:
  • Proper roads
  • Drinking water
  • Electricity
Because the area was a dense forest without facilities, many families had to scatter and find shelter elsewhere to survive.

The Current Conflict

The Khurda-Balangir railway line is now set to pass through the very land where these families were originally resettled. As construction crews moved in to start work, the families stood their ground.
The protesters have two main demands:
  • Permanent Land Rights: They want the temporary land papers converted into permanent ones.
  • Fair Compensation: They are demanding financial payment for the land they are losing once again.
The villagers say they have spent years running between the Tahasildar’s office and the District Collector’s office with no results. They have vowed not to move until they receive written assurance and fair compensation. 
Khurda-Balangir Rail Project Halted: Displaced Families Demand Fair Pay


Officials Step In

After four days of continuous protest, local authorities arrived at the spot near Takara. Dashapalla Tahasildar Smruti Ranjan Satapathy and Police Inspector Binay Ranjan Parida met with the families.
The officials listened to the grievances of the 40 families currently leading the protest. They promised that the administration would resolve the land and compensation issues as quickly as possible. Following these assurances, the authorities requested the villagers to allow the railway work to continue.
While the government is eager to finish the project, the future of the work now depends on how quickly the administration fulfills its promises to these displaced families.