Baripada: Thirty families are apprehensive about their future due to an upcoming bridge project across river Budhabalanga near Chipatastia on the outskirts of Baripada in Mayurbhanj district.
During the first phase of the project, around 30 families are expected to be relocated, according to reports.
The poor and landless tribal families from ward-7 Monday approached the district administration and submitted a memorandum to the ADM Gangadhar Nayak, raising their fears over the project.
Led by councilor Bapu Das, the families demanded four decimal of land, housing units under Indira Awas Yojana, ration cards, pension and gas connections.
Their demands included a proper rehabilitation package, provision of land and other basic facilities in the area where they would be relocated.
They urged the administration that all their demands should be met before the construction of the project itself.
The ADM said the rehabilitation would be carried out as per the existing norms.
The project has received all necessary statutory approvals while the Baripada tehsil officials have demarcated the site.
“Before the construction of bridge, an approach road will be built up to the site. Baripada tehsildar has demarcated the land for the approach road. About 30 families in the area will be relocated,” he added.
Several tribal families have been living in Dangaghat Sahi and Madhuban Sahi in ward 7 over the years.
The villagers raised concerns over the future of their children, who have been studying in various Anganwadi centres, schools and colleges, once they are relocated. PNN