Jamshedpur: Jamshedpur: Residents of Potka’s Haldipokhar on Saturday launched a month-long signature campaign against rising dust pollution allegedly caused by the Haldipokhar railway siding.The siding, which began operations in 2022, is on the Tatanagar-Badampahar branch line.“Students of five schools, which are located around the siding, are directly exposed to dust particles. The continuous loading and unloading operations have also affected trees and vegetation in the area,” said district councillor Suraj Mandal.Minerals, including coal, iron ore and other materials, are loaded and unloaded round the clock at the siding for the past five years, resulting in black smoke, dust and mud, the organisers alleged.Mukhia Devi Kumari said, “The signature campaign is part of a multi-phase agitation and would continue until the issue was addressed.”Efforts would also be made to raise the issue before National Green Tribunal.Protesters also raised traffic and safety concerns near the weighbridge between Haldipokhar station and Hata Chowk. Mineral-laden heavy vehicles are often parked on both sides of the road, narrowing the passage and causing congestion. “The continuous movement of heavy vehicles has also made commuting difficult for villagers and raised concerns over road safety,” said Ganesh Sardar.Chakradharpur senior divisional commercial manager Aditya Choudhary said the railway has the requisite consent to operate the siding, but would consider local residents’ concerns.
