MLA Alleges Illegal Operation of Railway Siding in Barpali, Calls It 'Murder of Democracy'

Sundargarh, May 4: In a serious allegation against the district administration and the State Government, Sundargarh MLA Jogesh Kumar Singh has raised concerns over the illegal and unauthorized operation of a railway siding and mineral stacking in the Barpali area, a scheduled region under Sundargarh district.
In a letter addressed to the Collector and District Magistrate of Sundargarh, the MLA stated that the initial permission for the railway siding, granted by the South Eastern Railway on 15.12.2020, was in gross violation of environmental guidelines and lacked mandatory public consultation through a Gram Sabha, as mandated by the State Pollution Control Board guidelines.
Further, he pointed out that a consent order dated 22.03.2024, issued by the State Pollution Control Board, was also void as it stemmed from the already invalid initial permission. The consent, valid only until 31.03.2025, had expired, yet operations allegedly continued beyond this period.
The matter has also reached the Orissa High Court, where a Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 7950/2025) was filed by one Sachindra Majhi. The Hon’ble Court, in its order dated 02.05.2025, took note of the expired permissions and sought clarification from the Central authorities regarding the validity of ongoing operations.
Despite the judicial scrutiny, MLA Singh alleged that on May 3rd, unauthorized mineral loading activities resumed under police protection. He and local villagers, who were protesting peacefully, were reportedly detained by the police, allowing transporters to carry on stacking and loading till late night. Singh described the episode as a deliberate attempt by the railway authorities, police, and transporters to suppress local voices and continue illegal operations.
“This is nothing short of murder of democracy,” said MLA Singh. “The lawbreakers are being protected by the administration and backed by the State Government, while the Central Tribal Minister remains silent on the plight of the very tribal population he represents.”
Singh has demanded immediate intervention by the Collector and punitive action against all erring officials involved. He has also called for steps to restore the rights and health of the residents of Barpali, who continue to suffer due to dust pollution and unchecked industrial activities.