Villagers assemble to oppose the health camp at Tontoposhi in Seraikela-Kharsawan district. Picture by Srinivas

Jamshedpur, May 28: Opposition to Tata Steel’s greenfield steel project at Seraikela by a section of people compelled Tata Steel Rural Development Society (TSRDS) to cancel a medical check-up camp scheduled to be held today.

TSRDS, which holds various healthcare programmes in the rural areas of Singhbhum, was supposed to organise the health check-up camp at Ugma, a village near the proposed site of Tata Steel’s greenfield project at Tontoposhi. The community service wing of the steel major, which is known for carrying out such beneficial services for villagers, had even propagated through various ways so as to make the programme a success.

But mobilising opinion of a section of people against any programme organised by Tata Steel, the TSRDS management cancelled the programme themselves.

About 50 people, gathered at Ugma, shouted slogans opposing the steel plant project this morning. The protesters, under the banner of Bhumi Raksha Gram Ekta Manch (BRGEM), declared that they would not let any Tata Steel official to enter the proposed steel plant area.

Apparently, many of the protesters spearheading the agitation, were outsiders.

Sadhu Charan Mahto, one of the leaders spearheading the agitation, said BRGEM would continue to stage dharnas and demonstrations until the Tata Steel management scrapped the steel plant project.

“Be it Tata Steel or the Union government, we will not allow a steel plant to be set up here as it would pollute the environment. If the steel major sets up any agro industry, then we will definitely welcome it,” said Mahto, who rejoined BJP recently after deserting Congress.

Mahto was, however, silent when asked whether people of all the 23 villages that form the proposed green-field steel project are with the BRGEM.

BRGEM secretary Karo Hembram had earlier said that a large number of villagers would prevent any attempt by TSRDS officials to enter the area. But, insiders in Tontoposhi said that neither did BRGEM enjoy mass support in Tontoposhi nor in any of the 23 villages under the greenfield project command area.

Sources said BRGEM supporters would not number more than 25. The activists move around Asanboni, Haludboni and Tantoposhi on three motorcycles to make their presence felt.

A villager said that BRGEM were just trying to fish in troubled waters and had nothing to do with the welfare of the people.

“Moreover, the people of Tontoposhi are no fools. If we think that the proposed green-field steel project of Tatas is against our interest, no one can acquire our land. No organisation is required to launch any agitation on our behalf,” said the villager, requesting anonymity.

A TSRDS spokesman said the Ugma residents had themselves wanted TSRDS to set up the medical check-up camp, but some of the villagers were opposed to the medical programme.