Advocates stage a protest over poor road conditions in the BALCO area; management assures immediate pothole repairs and says major road construction will begin soon.
KORBA, Chhattisgarh: Lawyers in Korba district staged a protest on Friday against the deteriorating condition of roads in the BALCO area, accusing authorities and management of failing to address a long-standing public safety and infrastructure problem.
The protest was organized over potholes, damaged road surfaces, dust, mud and difficulties faced by commuters. Following discussions with BALCO management, the lawyers ended their demonstration after receiving assurances that repair work would begin.
The advocates subsequently submitted a memorandum to the executive magistrate addressed to the Korba Collector.
However, the lawyers warned that if road repair and improvement work does not begin within 15 days, they will launch a more intensive protest.
Poor Road Conditions Cause Daily Problems
Local residents and lawyers said several major roads in the BALCO area, including the route around Major Dhyan Chand Chowk and the Darri-BALCO corridor, have remained in poor condition for an extended period.
Continuous movement of heavy vehicles, along with the transportation of coal and fly ash, has reportedly contributed to the formation of large potholes.
During the monsoon, rainwater and mud accumulate on damaged sections, while dry periods bring dust clouds, creating additional problems for pedestrians, motorists and nearby residents.
The poor condition of the roads has also raised concerns about road safety and the risk of accidents.
Lawyers Leave Court Practice to Join Protest
The protesting advocates raised slogans against BALCO management and the concerned administrative authorities.
Ganesh Kuldeep, president of the advocates’ association, said industrial development should not come at the expense of basic infrastructure and public welfare.
He said approximately 150 lawyers associated with the advocates’ association use the road every day, and the poor conditions create difficulties during their daily commute.
Kuldeep said lawyers had decided to leave their regular court practice and take to the streets to highlight the seriousness of the issue.
He warned that if road resurfacing or strengthening work is not started on a war footing, the protest could be intensified.
BALCO Says Pothole Repairs Will Begin Immediately
Prakhar Singh, a BALCO management representative present at the site, said the company has already provided its designated financial contribution for the road project to the district administration.
According to Singh, the main road construction is to be undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD).
He said construction work is expected to begin soon and assured the protesters that pothole repairs would start immediately.
Administration Assures Action During Monsoon
Deepak Patel, Naib Tehsildar of Korba, said representatives of the advocates’ association had submitted a memorandum addressed to the Collector regarding the deteriorated road.
He said that considering the monsoon conditions, repair work would be undertaken to improve the road and reduce difficulties for commuters.
Previous Road Projects Yet to Fully Materialize
The condition of roads in the BALCO area has been a matter of concern for some time, with several road projects and funding announcements made in the past.
According to the Chhattisgarh state budget presented in February 2026, ₹9.60 crore was approved for a roughly 12-kilometer two-lane road connecting BALCO Road through the Dhodhipara canal route to Pump House within the Korba Municipal Corporation area. The alternative road, however, is also reportedly incomplete.
In addition, a budget approved by the Finance Department on March 3, 2026, included plans for a two-lane road from Major Dhyan Chand Chowk to Bajrang Chowk, followed by an extension toward Parsabhatha Chowk involving a ring road and four-lane development.
Former Korba Collector Ajit Vasant had also reportedly approved around ₹27 crore from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) for the road project.
Despite these approvals and announcements, residents and lawyers say the expected work has not yet been completed on the ground.
Lawyers Warn of Stronger Agitation
The advocates have made it clear that the latest protest will not be the end of the matter.
They have given the authorities and concerned agencies 15 days to begin meaningful road repair and improvement work.
If action does not begin within the stipulated period, the advocates have warned of stronger and more widespread protests over the condition of roads in the BALCO area.
