[Watch] Vendors Stage Road Block, Protest Eviction Drive On Odisha’s Puri Beach

Puri: Vendors staged road block and demanded alternate arrangements as the Puri Municipality started eviction drive on the beach on Thursday.

The municipality is removing all illegal encroachments from the beach from Digbareni Khunti to Sigal Hotel. The demolition has affected affect more than 200 shops and small vendors. The vendors earn their living by selling fast-food, snacks and decorative items on the beach.

The displaced shopkeepers have been protesting in front of Puri Hotel, demanding compensation and an alternate place to run their business.

The municipality had announced eviction drive about two months back and repeated reminders were also given. The eviction drive is being carried out in the presence of two magistrates and amidst heavy police bandobast. Two platoons of police force have been deployed all along the designated spot.

Deputy District Magistrate Bhavataran Sahu is supervising the demolition.

Executive Magistrate, Puri Municipality, Saroj Kumar Sahoo said the vendors have cooperated in the drive baring some who are protesting even after being eviction orders.

Earlier in the day, the district commissioner had asked for help in consultation with the beach business association.

Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark (FEE) had accorded the globally recognised eco-label, Blue Flag certification, to Golden Beach in Puri last year.