Bhubaneswar: The security barricades put in front of the residence of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneswar are now under scrutiny following strong observations made by the Orissa High Court, prompting the Works Department to initiate necessary steps.
The development comes amid a major administrative and legal controversy over the barricades outside ‘Naveen Niwas’, located on Old Airport Road in the capital city. It is contended that the barricades were installed on a government road, leading to obstruction of public movement and disruption of traffic flow in the area.
The High Court expressed displeasure while hearing a case alleging that the barricades were placed on a government road, thereby obstructing public movement and traffic.
The matter pertains to a petition filed before the High Court alleging that iron barricades placed near the Old Airport Road stretch in Bhubaneswar were obstructing public movement on a road classified as a public thoroughfare. The petitioner had sought removal of alleged encroachments and restoration of free public access.
Following the court’s observations, the Works Department wrote to the Home Department regarding the issue. Opinions were also sought from the Commissionerate Police and the DCP Traffic on the matter.
The barricades and gate structure were reportedly installed earlier for the security of Naveen Patnaik when he was Chief Minister along the stretch from the airport road to Punama Gate.
Taking note of the petition, the High Court earlier expressed displeasure over administrative inaction and directed authorities to conduct a joint field verification and take appropriate action based on findings.
In compliance, a joint inspection was conducted on February 12, 2026, involving officials from the GA&PG Department, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), Works Department, Bhubaneswar tehsil office, and traffic police.
The verification report noted that a portion of land in front of Naveen Niwas, including Plot No. 1071, has been enclosed with iron barricade citing security requirements. It also recorded that parts of the surrounding area remain a public road, while an alternative 100-foot-wide diversion road exists for traffic movement.
The report further highlighted that the diversion road was originally developed for security and traffic management purposes, involving land exchanges between government agencies and the Airports Authority of India.
Following the court’s directive, the Works Department has now written to the Home Department seeking an opinion on whether the barricade should be removed, shifted, or retained. The department has also sought consultations with the Commissionerate Police and DCP Traffic, particularly on security implications.
