Hanspal Bridge Construction: Displaced Families Accuse Odisha Govt of Making False Promises

As many as 19 families, who were relocated to Diha Balianta area for the construction of Hanspal Bridge and widening of NH 16 in Bhubaneswar, almost three years ago, have allegedly fallen victim to the sheer apathy of the Odisha government. 

The displaced families alleged that though they have been handed over land pattas by the state government, basic facilities like drinking water and electricity connections are still a distant dream for them.
 
“The then district administration had promised us to provide new house after the relocation. It's been three years, no ‘babus’ have paid a visit yet to review our deteriorating condition," alleged a woman living in the relocated area.

"Whenever we try to meet the officers, they hide from us. I have lost faith in the Odisha government and am fed up with the false promises,” she rued.

“We have been relocated to this low-lying area where water logging is a common problem. During rain, it becomes impossible for us to survive here as we have to stay in hip-level water,” said an elderly man.

The relocated people have also alleged that the government authorities are not accepting the land record rights (patta) provided by the Odisha government; and, they cannot even get caste and birth certificates with the help of the land documents.