TV
Orissa High Court has intervened in the ongoing dispute between Balasore district authorities and shopkeepers of the Nargis Talkies Market Complex over eviction and demolition linked to a major road widening initiative in the town.
Vendors Seek Protection and Rehabilitation
A group of sixteen petitioners, led by Gajendra Nayak, approached the court seeking relief from the proposed eviction and requested alternative rehabilitation to continue their businesses. Their shops, located within the complex, fall under the proposed area of expansion.
BOT Market Complex Caught in Road Project
The market complex, established in 2001–02 under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model on PWD land, was developed by local vendors with municipal approval. After operating it for 15 years, the vendors handed over the complex to the municipality but continued to pay rent and occupy the premises.
Eviction Linked to NH-5 Expansion
The eviction was initiated to facilitate expansion of the existing four-lane stretch between Station Chakk and FM Golei on the Old NH-5 into a six-lane road. In January this year, following site inspections by the tehsildar and executive officer of the municipality, the shopkeepers were issued notices to vacate for demolition.
High Court Forms Resolution Committee
In an order passed on June 23, Justice S K Panigrahi instructed the Balasore collector to constitute a committee including the sub-collector-cum-SDM, executive officer of Balasore Municipality, tehsildar (Balasore sadar), and the superintending engineer of PWD. The committee has been tasked with inspecting the location and ensuring the planned 400-metre road widening is completed on schedule.
Court Report Favouring Minor Modifications
The court also reviewed an earlier report submitted by two court-appointed commissioners on May 13, who concluded that the road could be expanded with slight modifications to the existing market structure, thus avoiding displacement.
Judge Calls for Balanced Solution
"The committee shall explore a fair solution so that the need for widening the road is balanced with protecting the livelihood of shopkeepers and convenience of the public," the judge noted, as reported by TOI. Justice Panigrahi also instructed the collector to engage in dialogue with the affected shopkeepers to identify a mutually agreeable resolution.
One Month Deadline for Committee Report
The committee has been granted a month from the date of the order to resolve the issue and enable timely implementation of the road project.
