Bhubaneswar: Senior Congress leader and Jatani MLA Sura Routray threatened self-immolation in front of Naveen Niwas if his demands that include relocation of the dumping yard in Daruthenga are not fulfilled within 35 days.
The ultimatum came today at a presser, where the veteran Congress leader alleged government apathy towards the development of his constituency and demanded to move the garbage dumping yard from Daruthenga to Tulasadeipur.
Sura said, “State government usurped our land in the name of Lord Jagannath, but failed to develop the area. No roads, no ANM centres, no schools, not even crematoriums were allowed to be constructed on those land because they are Lord Jagannath’s property.”
“We fought for 10 years, but our demands have fallen on deaf ears,” complained Sura.
“BMC has been dumping all the garbage of Bhubaneswar city in Daruthenga dumping yard. The foul smell has become unbearable for locals. The waste materials are contaminating the groundwater and posing a health hazard for the locals,” said Sura.
He further said that, “The dumping yard is also a threat to the animals in Nandankanan zoo which is adjacent and the inmates of the zoo are getting infected with the bacteria lurking in nearby areas.”
“We have written letters to the CM, Chief Secretary and 5T secretary requesting them to look into our demands within 35 days and failing which, I along with my followers will set ourselves on fire in front of Naveen Niwas on January 27, 2020, at 11 AM,” threatened Sura.
No comments could be obtained from the government and ruling-BJD sources.