The dispute arose when the management of the Hasdeo Thermal Power Project, Darri, proposed shutting the road, citing operational and security-related concerns. The route, however, has long served as a vital link for residents, students and daily commuters. Locals argued that closing it would force them to take a significantly longer detour, causing inconvenience to schoolchildren, office-goers and emergency services.
Tensions escalated as residents gathered in large numbers to oppose the move. In response to the growing unrest, former minister and senior Congress leader Jaishingh Agrawal reached the site to assess the situation. He met with protesting residents, heard their grievances and held discussions with CSEB officials to understand the rationale behind the proposed closure.
After deliberations, a consensus was reached. Authorities agreed to install a six-foot gate on the road to address management concerns, while ensuring that the passage remains open for public use as before. The decision was announced on the spot, bringing immediate relief to the local community.
Addressing the gathering, Agrawal recalled his long tenure as a minister and legislator, stating that such issues were earlier resolved through direct coordination rather than confrontation. Without making specific allegations, he urged residents to reflect on how the situation escalated to the point of public protest and assured them of his continued support in matters affecting public interest.
Residents welcomed the decision and expressed satisfaction over the outcome. Many credited Agrawal’s presence and mediation for averting what they feared could have become a prolonged dispute. Locals said the road is essential for daily life and thanked him for intervening at a critical moment, noting that he has previously played a role in resolving similar civic issues.
Officials from the power project indicated that the agreed arrangement balances operational needs with public convenience. The installation of the gate, they said, would allow monitoring without disrupting movement.
For now, traffic through the CSEB Colony–Syahimudi route continues as usual. The episode has highlighted the importance of stakeholder consultation in infrastructure decisions, particularly in areas where industrial operations intersect with residential life.
