Jamshedpur: A public meeting was held at the Burmamines Durga Puja ground today to protest environmental pollution and public safety concerns tied to industrial activities. The citizens’ movement in the city has gained momentum under the banner of the Basti Bachao Sangharsh Samiti.
Residents, community leaders, and activists have raised serious concerns about dust pollution, deteriorating road conditions, heavy traffic, and rising accidents in the Burmamines area and its surrounding localities. The Samiti had planned to block the road on Sunday, but decided to convert the protest into a public meeting at Burmamines Durga Puja ground.
A large-scale road blockade and protest was scheduled on Sunday near the gates of the Tata Steel facility at Burmamines, aiming to draw broader attention to the community’s demands. However, Samiti representatives said the demonstration was reconsidered following assurances from district officials to examine the complaints.
The protestors, however, have warned that, if timely action is not taken, the movement could intensify with further peaceful protests and mobilizations planned in the coming days. The activists appealed for support from civil society, political organizations, and public officials to secure lasting solutions to pollution, traffic management, and civic safety issues that impact everyday life in the city’s residential areas.
The Samiti, representing people from several neighbourhoods, has highlighted longstanding grievances linked to industrial operations, including those associated with Tata Steel. The residents allege that persistent dust emanating from nearby industrial points is affecting air quality and health, while narrow, congested roads and unabated movement of heavy vehicles are contributing to frequent traffic snarls and accidents. They say these problems have forced ambulances, students, and daily commuters to navigate unsafe conditions on a daily basis.
Samiti leaders Rambabu Tiwary and Satvir Singh Somu described the protest as a collective civic movement rather than one driven by any single political interest. He urged authorities and corporate management to address the issues urgently, stressing that the agitation reflects deep frustration among ordinary citizens who feel neglected despite long-standing concerns over environmental and traffic problems.
