Jharsuguda: Notwithstanding the repeated opposition of Tilia Villagers, the OPGC on Monday started the construction work of Ash pond for Unit 3 & 4 IV at Village Tilia amid heavy security. Around 17 platoon force were deployed at the construction site to check any untoward incident.
The Villagers of Tilia have been opposing the ash pond which has been proposed to be built on 381 Acres including 84 acres of Govt. Land at Tilia Panchayat under Lakhanpur Block.
“Earlier, we were displaced for Hirakud Dam Project. The majority of Villagers depends upon agriculture. If the ash pond is constructed, it will cause pollution and affect our farming. We will discuss with Jharsuguda Collector. They should have begun the work on ash pond after the discussion” said Tanasundar Sahu, Sarpanch, Tilia Gram Panchayat
“The place where the ash pond is being constructed is only 150 metres away from our village. If they want to construct the ash pond here, they should take our village completely,” said Jaamini Pradhan, Tilia Villager
Earlier, In the Year 2015, Villagers of Tilia Village had torched a vehicle and had allegedly beaten Pollution Control board officials while they were on the visit to the village to check the ongoing expansion unit of OPGC 3rd and 4th Unit. In which several villagers were arrested.
“For the genuine demand of the villagers, Dist. The administration is always and anytime approachable. However, the project has already been delayed, the construction of Ash pond will not stop now.” said Jharsuguda Sub-Collector Ajay Jena
