Jamshedpur: Resentment has reached a boiling point in Burmamines over worsening civic conditions, including severe dust pollution, frequent traffic jams, narrow roads, illegal parking of heavy vehicles, and what residents allege to be the high-handed and dictatorial attitude of Tata Steel management. In response, the Basti Bachao Sangharsh Samiti announced a one-day massive protest along with a complete road blockade at both gates of Burmamines on December 14.
Details of the proposed agitation were shared during a press conference held at a hotel in Golmuri on Saturday. Former BJP district president Rambabu Tiwary, who is leading the movement, said, “From 10 am onwards on Sunday, both Tata Company gates in Burmamines will be fully blocked, and a large-scale protest will be staged to draw attention to the long-pending grievances of local residents.”
Addressing the media, Rambabu Tiwary levelled serious allegations against Tata Steel management. He claimed, “Houses are being demolished without prior notice under the guise of an anti-encroachment drive, creating fear and panic among residents. While the company remains indifferent to the hardships of the people, the condition of roads in Burmamines has deteriorated to an alarming level. Through the protest we aim to awaken the authorities and strongly convey the collective voice of the people.”
Tiwari alleged, “Due to years of encroachment by Tata Steel, roads in Burmamines have become dangerously narrow, resulting in round-the-clock traffic congestion. Ambulances, school-going children, office commuters, and passengers traveling to and from Tatanagar Railway Station are forced to pass through the area daily under unsafe conditions. He also highlighted the serious health risks posed by dust emanating from the slag point near the Burmamines market, affecting both residents and commuters.”
He also targeted NuvoCo Cement Company, alleging that illegal parking of trucks is being allowed within the Punj company premises in exchange for hefty payments. According to him, the continuous lining up of trucks leads to prolonged traffic jams and increases the risk of accidents throughout the day in the area. Emphasising growing public anger, Tiwary said the people of Burmamines are no longer willing to tolerate injustice and neglect. He appealed to intellectuals, political parties, social organisations, and citizens of the city to join the movement in large numbers and raise their voices against what he termed the arbitrary actions of Tata Steel.
The Basti Bachao Sangharsh Samiti also warned that if the administration and company management fail to address the issues promptly, the agitation will be expanded on a much larger scale. Prominent figures present at the press conference included BJP Sikh youth leader Satbir Singh ‘Somu’, BJP leader Deepak Jha, Chuna Bhatta settlement head Burma Kansari, Bhakti Nagar’s Ram Mardi, Gandhi Basti head Dharam Nag, Ashram’s Mahesh Yadav (Guddu), Sidhu Kanu Basti’s Ashok Pandey, Raghuvar Nagar’s Ravijit Singh, East Plan Basti’s Saurabh Srivastava, and Shashi Singh.
