IMMT Scientists In Odisha Stage Protest Against Demolition Drive Inside Campus

Bhubaneswar: Tension erupted at the campus of the Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology (IMMT) in Bhubaneswar today after scientists staged protest opposing a demolition drive.

The agitating scientists opposed the enforcement squad of Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) who had come to the campus for demolition of a building to clear path for the construction of a convention hall of Odisha government.

Alleging that the squad came to the campus without any prior notice, the scientists raised concern over the construction work claiming that it will affect the research at the institute and harm the environment.

After protests, the enforcement squad had to return without executing the demolition work.

As per reports, for the construction of IMMT campus, former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik had allotted 200 acres of land, of which 23 acres were used for setting up of Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC), Pathani Samanta Planetarium and Regional Museum of Natural History.