Jagannath Basti Relocated To Pandakudia In Odisha Capital

Bhubaneswar: As many as 300 families have been relocated to Pandakudia near SUM Hospital from Jagannath Basti near Jayadev Vihar Square here.

Kamal Purty, a labourer who got a plot of land at Pandakudia, is a happy man now. He is among the 300-odd families, who have been shifted to the new locality after vacating the slum. This would now pave the way for beautification of the space near the wall of Kalinga Stadium and entry from Gate No-IX for the upcoming Men’s World Cup Hockey.

Rabindranath Kisku, originally from Kusumasol in Mayurbhanj district, is also a beneficiary. “I had been staying at Jagannath Basti for nearly 25 years. We feel this is a better option,” he said.

Rajesh Kanhar, a student of Rajdhani College, now has to cover more distance to reach his college. “Every change is for the better. I may face some challenges, but happy that my family will get a plot of land,” he said.

The BMC-Bhubaneswar Development Authority joint squad had started the eviction process from near Gate No-I of Kalinga Stadium on September 27.

On the day one, the eviction squad had removed 31 structures from Behera Sahi.

On Friday, the first-phase eviction drive faced some resistance and hence the process was stopped midway. On being  persuaded by BMC-BDA team, they agreed to go to Pandakudia on payment of Rs 35,000 and 20X12 square feet area plot.

By Saturday afternoon, the demarcation work was completed for more than 100 plots at Pandakudia, the eviction work from Jagannath Basti continued simultaneously with Additional Commissioner and Member Enforcement BDA Bhabani Shankar Chayani leading the process.

In the morning while the BMC-BDA team persuaded people to move and carry their belongings in vehicles deployed by BMC, the civic body also arranged for their breakfast and lunch at Pandakudia site.

All Deputy Commissioners of BMC and senior officials were present at Jagannath Basti and Pandakudia respectively to monitor the situation. Local corporators coordinated the operation.

After allocation of plots to families, the BMC supplied polythene for temporary roof. The new settlers will also get assistance from ambulance and regular food from the kitchen till they completely settle at Pandakudia.