Bhubaneswar, January 28: Activists of the Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS), a famers’ outfit, on Wednesday blocked the Puri-Bhubaneswar road in Uttara Chhak as part of their ongoing eight-hour Odisha bandh. They are protesting against several burning issues including alleged lapses in paddy procurement.

The workers burnt tyres on the road and blocked the Puri-Bhubaneswar NH near Uttara Chhak disrupting traffic.

Vehicular movement was also affected in several areas of the State after the NNKS volunteers staged "Rasta Roko" protests in view of the Odisha Bandh call.

Two prominent bus stands in the State - the Netaji Bus Terminal in Cuttack and Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar Bus Terminal (BSABT) at Baramunda in Bhubaneswar - wore a deserted look following the Odisha Bandh call by NNKS, in effect till 2 PM.

Private bus services were largely affected, disrupting commuter movements. Elaborate security arrangements have been made across the State to maintain law and order situation.

So far, no untoward incident has been reported in the State due to the ongoing bandh.

Emergency services including healthcare and ambulance movement and rail service have not been disrupted during the bandh.

The NNKS, backed by opposition Congress and BJD, is observing the in protest against the alleged mismanagement in paddy procurement at mandis, collection of excessive fine under the Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) and exploitation of farmers and citizens in the name of smart electricity meters.

Several business establishments, markets, petrol pumps have remained shut.

Notably, in view of the bandh call, the Odisha Government on Tuesday has issued precautionary directives to all district Collectors and Magistrates to remain alert.