Bhubaneswar: The eviction drive in Salia Sahi, the largest slum in Odisha capital Bhubaneswar, has been completed, with the demolition of more than 550 “unauthorised” dwelling units.
The eviction drive, launched on Tuesday to pave way for construction of a road to decongest traffic on the Jayadev Vihar-Nandankanan stretch, came to a close on Thursday, a senior official said on Friday.
A joint enforcement team of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and other departments carried out the eviction drive in presence of police force, amid protests by slum dwellers.
While over 400 dwelling units were demolished on the first two days, the remaining houses
were razed on Thursday. Around 556 structures were pulled down during the operation, officials said.
They said the state government has arranged accommodation for the evicted families at a newly constructed apartment near the slum.
Beds, cots, almirahs, refrigerators, coolers, and several other household items were found inside the houses. Residents shifted these belongings elsewhere using tractors. Electricity and cable connections to the area were also disconnected.
However, some of the families put up tents and temporary structures near the slum in protest, demanding pieces of land instead of flats.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said “many people with good economic background” have been staying in the slum. “They are instigating others not to shift to the government accommodation,” he claimed.
BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana said all eligible slum dwellers will get a flat at the apartment, where over 450 units have been set up. “If required, more flats will be allotted. However, not a single ineligible family will be allotted any flat,” he added.