CHITWAN: Local residents set fire to a railway survey team’s vehicle in Bharatpur on Wednesday, protesting against the ongoing railway survey in the area.
The vehicle belonging to RH Consultancy, which arrived in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-7 for the survey, was seized and burned in front of police.
Firefighters from the Bharatpur Metropolitan Municipality extinguished the flames.
Divya Nepal, Secretary of the Railway Victims Movement Committee, stated that the team was attempting to conduct a Google Map survey, which locals opposed.
On Tuesday, the survey team had already worked in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-8.
Around 200 locals from Ward 7 mobilized on Wednesday, taking control of the technicians involved in the survey.
Residents expressed concerns that the proposed East-West railway line would pass through their densely populated ward, prompting them to engage in phased protests.
They demanded changes to the current survey plan, asserting they would not allow the railway line to displace their community.
The proposed railway route aims to extend from Chitwan to Nawalparasi through Bharatpur Metropolis City’s wards 4, 7, and 8.
Prior discussions had occurred between the Committee, the Railway Department, and government agencies, facilitated by Bharatpur Metropolitan Corporation, to explore alternatives that would minimize the impact on local settlements.
Despite these agreements, local anger has surged following the initiation of surveys in the old area.
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