NAC exclusion triggers bandh and protests in Balasore’s Khaira

Normal life in Khaira of Balasore district came to a standstill on Wednesday as the town observed a seven-hour bandh called by the Swabhiman Manch, protesting its exclusion from the state’s newly declared list of Notified Area Councils (NACs).

The bandh, observed from 7 am to 2 pm, brought the region to a halt, forcing the closure of schools, colleges, markets, business establishments, and government offices.

Protest Against NAC Omission

According to sources, local leaders of the Swabhiman Manch said Khaira’s exclusion from the latest urban governance list was unjust, particularly as the town had earlier been declared an NAC after prolonged public agitation during the previous government’s tenure.

With the new BJP-led administration revising the urban local body framework, Khaira has been left out of the notification, triggering widespread resentment.

Swabhiman Manch president Prashant Kumar Behera stated that the bandh was a symbolic expression of public anger, adding that people from all walks of life had supported the shutdown.

"Both this and the previous government, neglected Khaira and have stagnated its development. Our bandh will continue from 7 am to 2 pm. Barring essential services like ambulances, milk vans, and medical cases, we will not allow any other vehicles or services to operate."

Reports added that traffic movement in the area remained largely paralysed as demonstrators staged protests demanding the announcement of Khaira’s NAC status.

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Recent Government Announcements

The protest comes in the wake of a series of announcements by the Odisha government on the expansion of municipalities and NACs across the state.

On August 31, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared the formation of seven new municipalities and 16 new NACs, including Loisingha, Sohela, Narsinghpur, Salepur, Badamba, and others.

Earlier, on August 16, the Housing and Urban Development Department had also issued a draft notification for 12 additional NACs across seven districts.

Following these announcements, Odisha has added 28 new NACs in less than a month, while several towns, including Khaira, continue to press for recognition.