Protests intensify over NAC exclusion; Sheragada hit by 12-hour shutdown

Normal life was disrupted in Sheragada of Ganjam district on Saturday as residents and local groups enforced a 12-hour bandh demanding Notified Area Council (NAC) status for the town.

Shops, markets, schools, colleges, and private establishments remained shut, while vehicular movement was completely paralysed. Organisers said the demand for NAC recognition has been pending for over 15 years and warned of intensified protests if the issue continues to be ignored.

Residents Renew Long-Standing Demand

Sheragada, located in Ganjam district, comprises nine revenue villages and functions as a commercial hub for the surrounding region.

The town has essential infrastructure, including a block office, tehsil, hospital, schools, colleges, and a bus stand. Locals argued that these facilities meet the criteria for urban recognition and have repeatedly demanded NAC status.

Community leaders stated to sources that Sheragada was once included in earlier government announcements for NAC formation. However, when the latest list was issued on August 31, the town was excluded, leading to disappointment and triggering today’s shutdown.

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Recent Government Notification on New NACs

On August 31, the Odisha government announced the formation of seven new municipalities and 16 NACs across the state.

In Ganjam district, Aska and several other towns were upgraded to municipalities, while Jagannathprasad and Patrapur were included among the new NACs. The absence of Sheragada from this list has become a point of contention for residents, who allege neglect despite repeated appeals over the years.

Similarly, this week, protests hit Balasore’s Khaira and disrupted normal life over its exclusion from the latest NAC list. Meanwhile, as of the last reports, no comments over the bandh could be obtained from Sheragada authorities.