Sripura Villagers Urge DRM to Act Against Industrial Encroachment on Railway, Forest Land

Jharsuguda: Local villagers of Sripura have submitted a memorandum to the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) East Coast, raising serious concerns over the illegal encroachment of railway land from Sripura Railway Fatak to Thelkoloi Fatak by industrial houses.

In the memorandum, villagers alleged that several industries have occupied railway land to construct temporary roads for the movement of heavy industrial vehicles. They further claimed that the illegal use of railway and nearby forest land has led to damage to trees, encroachment on natural water streams (nallas), and has opened the door to illegal activities, including transportation of illegal minor minerals and coal theft by antisocial elements.

The villagers have demanded immediate administrative intervention to remove the encroachments, protect railway and forest land, and restore the area to safeguard the environment.

They urged the railway authorities to take strict action and ensure that the land is freed from illegal occupation in the interest of public safety and environmental conservation.