OTV Impact: Massive drive to evict illegal occupants from government quarters

Local administration cracked down on illegal occupants of government quarters on Tuesday, following a news broadcast on Odisha Television Network (OTV).

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Authorities started a massive drive against more than 100 government-owned residences in Bhubaneswar that have been illegally occupied. A recent report by OTV brought to light that some of these properties were being improperly used, with some occupants keeping cattle in them as cowsheds and others turning them into warehouses.

Eviction drive to be intensified

Influential local people are suspected of seizing control of these accommodations. Following this report, joint eviction operations led by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and the General Administration (GA) Department commenced today.

Around 12 government quarters were evicted by the time this report was filed.

The eviction drive was underway at Bulan Bhai Seva Bhawan (allegedly turned into a marriage mandap) located behind Congress Bhawan on Master Canteen Square. Government quarter Nos.-VI 23/3 and VI 23/4 were also being evicted by the joint enforcement team. 

“Personal belongings may immediately be taken out by occupants from unlawfully occupied premises on the government quarter Nos.-VA 35/3 and VA 35/4. Else, those articles will be seized within a few minutes,” an announcer was heard saying during the eviction.

“Some government quarters were previously vacated to facilitate the Capital Redevelopment Project (CRDP). The four quarters such as Nos.-VA 35/1, VA 35/2, VA 35/3 and VA 35/4 were later illegally occupied by one Bulan Das. He has been using the premises for his commercial purposes. We are taking steps to evict the occupant,” Rent Officer and a senior member of the team, Prakash Chandra Behera, expressed.

“The drive will continue in the days ahead to vacate all other illegally occupied government quarters. Legal actions will also be taken against the wrongdoers,” the official said.

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“A joint eviction drive has been initiated on 20.05.2025 for eviction of occupants illegally trespassed over government properties i.e. government quarters and government land in Unit-2 and adjoining areas. They are making antisocial activities and indulging in commercial use of govemment premises without any lawful authority. In the present context, it is very much essential to evict these persons on threat perception point of view. Proper watch and ward of these government premises is highly required to avoid any untoward incident. It is, therefore, requested to continue the eviction drive w.e.f 20.05.2025 and initiation of appropriate criminal cases by the local police for a logical conclusion in the matter,” a notification of the GA Department read.