Bhubaneswar: A joint eviction drive by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) to clear encroachments at Salia Sahi for the upcoming 13-km left parallel road from Ekamra Kanana to Andharua, turned turned chaotic on Tuesday with locals putting up a strong resistance to the demolition efforts.
According to sources, 900 metres of Salia Sahi falls under the parallel road project. Earlier, houses located within 200 metres were cleared, and others within 700 metres have to be vacated to allow uninterrupted road construction.
Residents, however, opposed the eviction over lack of proper rehabilitation support and staged a sit-in on the road, leading to scuffles at the site. They argued that this is forest land and the Forest Rights Act (FRA) applies to it. “The survey and plan of IIT in 2010 did not include Salia Sahi and instead passed through Ekamra Kanan. It was changed in 2017. The only objective behind this drive is to evict the residents of Sali Sahi,” a protester alleged, adding that they have submitted a memorandum to the Governor, seeking his intervention while stating that several among them are forest dwellers.
They are also seeking proper resettlement and land rights.
Another protester said that they are not against the road project. “We need a roof over our head and have moved the Orissa High Court. The eviction drive is being carried out when the next hearing is on November 20,” she claimed.
Around 30 people have so far been detained.
Sources further stated that 517 houses have been listed for demolition in the current phase of the drive, which will continue till November 24. Five platoons of police force, along with teams from BMC, BDA, WATCO and the Electricity Department are at the spot to ensure smooth execution of the drive to begin from Hatiasuni area.
Heavy machinery has been stationed at the site, and security has been tightened to prevent disruption. “Strict action will be taken against anyone who attempts to obstruct the eviction process. To maintain law and order, DCP-rank officers, IICs from five police stations and ACP-rank officers have been stationed at the spot,” said ACP Biswaranjan Senapati.