Residents of Cuttack CESU Colony asked to vacate 'unsafe buildings'

The residents of CESU Colony in Cuttack City’s bustling Badambadi locality face daily challenges living in allegedly neglected government quarters, sources said on Saturday.

Predominantly home to the electricity utility employees and their families, these houses have not seen repairs for decades and are in run-down conditions, leaving the residents in increasingly precarious situations.

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The colony's infrastructure reveals significant neglect, with cracked walls, leaking roofs, and, alarmingly, uprooted trees around the premises. About 50 families reside here, confronting these hazards.

Numerous complaints have been made regarding the state of their living conditions, yet authorities have remained unresponsive.

In a surprising turn of events, the utility authorities concerned, the organisation responsible for these quarters, have now issued a notice to vacate the premises soon. This move has caused anxiety among the residents, who are already worried about finding new accommodation.

Constructed in 1973, CESU Colony has suffered neglect for over 35 years. During this long period, residents have dutifully paid sizeable amounts annually for rent and maintenance, yet there has been no transparency about the use of these funds.

As they face eviction, families are left with the urgent issue of securing alternative housing, with many feeling their grievances have been overlooked by the authorities.

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“We have been asked to vacate the premises within 15 days. We are facing utter difficulties but have no choice but to reside here. Finding accommodation in Cuttack City is too difficult,” a woman resident expressed to OTV.

“The houses have been declared unsafe, but where would we go with elderly persons and children in the family?” another woman resident questioned.