Villagers Rise To Protect Riverine Landscape Near Rourkela
Mitkundri villagers protested against growing ecological damage caused by unchecked picnic activities in the village
Bhubaneswar : In a striking display of grassroots environmental consciousness, villagers near the Mitkundri bridge on the outskirts of Odisha’s Rourkela on Tuesday blocked a key road to protest what they described as growing ecological damage caused by unchecked picnic activities in the area. Hundreds of residents from nearby villages gathered under the leadership of local representatives, voicing concern over the degradation of agricultural land, pollution of the riverine ecosystem and increasing public nuisance linked to large-scale picnics, particularly during weekends and holidays.
The protesters said picnickers—mostly visitors from outside the area—often leave behind plastic plates, glass bottles and other non-biodegradable waste after consuming alcohol. Much of this debris, villagers alleged, finds its way into adjoining farmlands and grazing areas, threatening crops, livestock and the safety of agricultural workers.
“Broken glass bottles scattered in fields have injured farmers, labourers and even cattle,” said the Jhirpani sarpanch, adding that the situation had worsened significantly in recent months. “We are not against people enjoying nature, but the way the area is being treated is unacceptable. This land and river sustain our lives.”
Residents said discarded waste has also led to health concerns, with cattle consuming plastic and leftover food. According to villagers, several animals have fallen sick due to such exposure, further deepening anxieties over long-term environmental and economic impacts.
Women from the villages highlighted how pollution and unruly behaviour have affected their daily lives. Many depend on the nearby river for bathing and household chores. “Alcohol bottles are thrown near the riverbanks, sometimes even towards us. It makes us feel unsafe and disrespected,” a woman protester said.
Villagers also pointed to incidents of disorderly and indecent behaviour along the roadside and near the river, underscoring their demand for regulation rather than unrestrained access.
The protest, residents said, was not merely about inconvenience but about protecting a fragile local ecosystem and preserving the dignity of rural life. They urged authorities to impose restrictions, ensure waste management and promote responsible tourism that respects both nature and local communities.
As environmental pressures mount across rural India, the Mitkundri protest reflects a growing assertion by villagers that conservation begins at the community level—and that public spaces must be shared with care, accountability and respect for those who call them home.
