Traffic disrupted on NH 149 as BJP blocks road in Pallahara

Angul: Vehicular movement on the national highway-149 was hit as the BJP Angul unit staged a road blockade at Pallahara today pressing for fulfillment of a six-point charter of demands.

The demands included drought-hit status to Pallahara, compensation to families affected by elephant menace, filling up of vacant posts in health care and educational institutions.

The activists of the saffron party began the protest at 7 am joined by several locals and farmers.

“There is a drought-like situation in Pallahara due to scanty rainfall this year. Hence, we demand that the Government declares the area as drought hit,else, we would intensify our stir in coming days,” said Pallahra block chairman Mukesh Kumar Pal.

BJP state executive committee member Ashik Mohanty said, “Elephant herds have wreaked havoc in several areas under Pallahara constituency. However, the state government is sitting idle over the issue.  Besides, education and health care services in the constituency have deteriorated.”