Picketing near laxmnannath check gate in protest of non-supply of potato by West Bengal has disrupted traffic on the NH-60, while hundreds of trucks carrying edible goods are lying stranded with the goods beginning to rot.
The trucks carry perishable goods mainly from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha contain mainly egg, fish, fruit and vegetable. Since the vehicles had to be stranded on the road, these merchandises have begun to rot. Besides, the crews have resented the road blockade as they have lost their patience having to wait on the road for long hours. Some of them were also starving without food and drinking water.
Tehsildar Rajanikanta Biswal said, "We are making arrangement for food and drinking water for the drivers and helpers."
He informed that some of the ferried consignments have begun to rot, while a queue of vehicles near the gate has extended up to 7-8 km.
Notably, a local group backed by the ruling BJD, is not allowing the vehicles to move while local MlA Aswani Patra is present at the site of agitation.
"The picketing has been done in the protest of Bengal Government's decision not to send potato to Odisha. Several potato traders from Bengal end talked to me stating that they are willing to send the potato to Odisha, yet they are not able to do so. The agitation has been peaceful. The talks between the two State Governments are on. We would lift the blockade soon after a solution is found," MlA Patra said.
Balasore MP RK Jena said, "Under a federal structure there has to be interdependence.
Therefore, there shouldn't be restriction on import and export of consumables at least among the neighouring States. Rather there should be a seamless boundary." Jena sought an immediate solution to the deadlock and resumption of normal supplies.
District Collector Arvind Agarwal said, "I have talked to my counterpart in the Bengal for an early solution of the crisis," adding that "Talks in the Government level are in progress. Hopefully some positive outcome would come."
In the meanwhile, the Civil Supply department in order to combat potato crisis has taken over 45,000 bags of potato stored in a cold storage for sale in public. 45,000 bags would cater to the requirement of the district for about a week, said CSO Amar Mohapatra.