In a significant escalation of their long-standing demands, activists and citizens in Rourkela have initiated an indefinite strike. Members of two key action committees have set up protest camps directly in front of the Rourkela Municipal Corporation (RMC) office, vowing to continue until the government provides concrete assurances.
Core Demands: Airport Modernization and Healthcare Hub
The protest is spearheaded by the Rourkela Airport Action Committee and the Rourkela ESIC Medical College & Super Specialty Hospital Action Committee. Their agitation, which began on Monday, centers on two critical infrastructure projects seen as vital for the city's future.
For the airport, protestors are demanding immediate action on promises made by the Chief Minister during his visit on February 1, 2025. Their specific demands include:
- Upgrading Rourkela Airport to a 4C licensed facility.
- Handing over ownership and management to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
- Installing advanced navigation systems like the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and NLS facilities.
A Healthcare Demand Over a Decade Old
Parallel to the airport issue is the urgent demand for the establishment of the ESIC Medical College and Super Specialty Hospital. This demand has been active since 2009, with local citizens, trade unions, and student organizations consistently advocating for it.
Protesters highlight Rourkela's significant industrial importance and the pressing need for advanced healthcare facilities to serve the region's population. They argue that the project has been delayed for far too long, depriving the city of crucial medical infrastructure.
Unwavering Public Support and Future Plans
The strike has garnered substantial public backing. On its first day, more than 100 people joined the protest, demonstrating widespread community support for the causes. The participants have declared that their agitation will continue indefinitely until the state government offers a firm and concrete commitment to fulfilling these demands.
The protest underscores a growing public impatience with delayed infrastructure projects. By staging an indefinite strike at the RMC, the action committees aim to keep sustained pressure on the authorities, emphasizing that the development of Rourkela's aviation connectivity and healthcare capacity can no longer be postponed.
