Villagers block road near Mitkundri bridge over environmental damage caused by picnics

Villagers staged a road blockade near the Mitkundri bridge in Rourkela on Tuesday, alleging large-scale environmental damage and public nuisance caused by picnic activities in the area.

Hundreds of local residents, led by village representatives, took to the streets to protest against the increasing number of picnics, claiming that the activities are damaging agricultural land, polluting the surroundings and disrupting daily life.

According to villagers, picnickers, mostly from outside the area, leave behind glass bottles, plastic plates and other waste after consuming alcohol. Locals alleged that the discarded materials often end up in nearby farmlands, posing risks to farmers, agricultural labourers and livestock.

Residents further claimed that broken glass bottles left in fields have caused injuries to farmers, agricultural workers and cattle used for cultivation.

Sarpanch Voices Villagers’ Concerns

Jhirpani Sarpanch said the situation has worsened in recent times, prompting villagers to take to the streets.

“People from outside the area come here for picnics. Earlier, it was not a major problem, but now we are being forced to protest. Picnickers consume alcohol, break glass bottles and throw them into farmlands. Farmers, labourers and even cattle get injured because of this,” he said.

He added that used plates and garbage are dumped in the open, leading to pollution and health hazards. “Cattle often consume the waste and fall sick. Recently, there was even a violent clash among picnickers. Villagers no longer want picnics to be held here and request people not to visit the area for such activities,” the sarpanch said.

Safety And Social Concerns Raised

Women villagers also raised safety concerns, particularly regarding access to the river for daily chores.

“We depend on the river for bathing and other daily activities. Picnickers consume alcohol and throw bottles towards us,” a woman resident alleged.

Another villager said incidents of indecent behaviour by picnickers along the roadside have become a serious concern, reinforcing the demand for strict action to prevent further disturbance and ensure safety in the area.