Bhubaneswar: In a massive drive against trespassers, the authorities have launched a joint operation to evict illegal occupants from government quarters in Unit II area of Bhubaneswar.
Officials said that the general administration department, Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and other agencies on Tuesday commenced a massive anti-encroachment drive in Unit-II area along the stretch from Master Canteen to Raj Mahal Square.
A joint enforcement team with eviction notices targeted illegal occupants, who transformed the govt quarters in Unit-II into unauthorised commercial establishments, including kitchens, hotels, offices, warehouses, and even wedding venues.
During the ongoing drive, the authorities sealed several properties after giving occupants sufficient time to vacate the premises. The operation marks a significant step in the govt’s efforts to reclaim encroached public properties in the state capital.
The GA department has issued a list of 222 such illegally occupied government quarters in Unit-II and adjoining areas, and also sought cooperation of the Commissionerate Police, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO), TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) in the eviction drive.
Joint Director of Estates has written to these agencies seeking their cooperation in the eviction of trespassers over government properties – government quarters and land – in Unit-II and adjoining areas of the capital city.
“A joint eviction drive has been initiated on 20.05.2025 for eviction of occupants illegally trespassed over government properties i.e. government quarters and government land in Unit-2 and adjoining areas. They are making antisocial activities and indulging in commercial use of govemment premises without any lawful authority. In the present context, it is very much essential to evict these persons on threat perception point of view. Proper watch and ward of these government premises is highly required to avoid any untoward incident. It is, therefore, requested to continue the eviction drive w.e.f 20.05.2025 and initiation of appropriate criminal cases by the local police for a logical conclusion in the matter,” the GA department letter said.
“The drive will continue in the days ahead to vacate all other illegally occupied government quarters. Legal actions will also be taken against the wrongdoers,” said an official.