Strong opposition has surfaced in Bhilai against the proposed Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) plant planned near Sundar Vihar Colony on Kurud Road. Local residents, particularly women, have been protesting for the last ten days, expressing concerns over possible environmental and health impacts. The agitation has now intensified into a road blockade, with four local corporators also joining the movement. Residents fear that the plant, if set up in the middle of the residential area, may lead to foul smell, air pollution and other health hazards. They argue that the location chosen for the project is inappropriate and demand that it be shifted outside the city limits. According to the protesters, the opposition is not against the concept of a bio gas plant, but against the selected site, which is too close to homes and public spaces. The protest has disrupted normal movement in the area and created tension between the civic body and local citizens.

 

Earlier too, residents had submitted objections to the Municipal Corporation and the district administration, but those objections were rejected, after which marking work for the plant was resumed. This triggered fresh demonstrations and an indefinite sit-in by colony residents. Amid growing unrest, BMC Commissioner Rajiv Kumar Pandey held discussions with public representatives and citizens and assured that no final decision would be taken without proper consultation. He informed that an empowered committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the District Collector to examine the project. A special meeting will soon be organised in which senior administrative officials, police authorities, BPCL experts, elected representatives and media persons will participate. BPCL officials have been directed to give a detailed presentation on the technical aspects of the project, its environmental impact and benefits. The Commissioner appealed to citizens to participate in the meeting, understand the project scientifically and present their suggestions. He emphasized that the administration is committed to resolving all doubts through dialogue and that the final decision will be taken only after hearing all stakeholders. For now, residents remain firm on their demand for relocation of the plant, stating that the protest will continue until the site is changed.