Eviction drive in Bhubaneswar: 562 structures cleared, road project set to begin

For the past two days, tension prevailed during the eviction drive at Bhubaneswar’s Salia Sahi slum. Eventually, the Enforcement Squad demolished all illegal structures on Thursday and cleared the proposed road site of encroachments.

Urban Development Minister stated that some misleading elements were provoking the protesting residents and action will be taken against those responsible.

Despite being evicted from one government land, several residents allegedly encroached upon another government property. They have refused to shift to the well-furnished apartments provided by the government, insisting on only one demand - “give us land instead of houses.”

For the past two days, bulldozers have been rolling through Salia Sahi, clearing structures. Yet, some encroachers remained unfazed, shifting from one spot to another, refusing to leave the locality. Finally, the enforcement squad issued a decisive announcement through loudspeakers today, giving just one hour's time to vacate. They were instructed to move to the government-provided apartments at Buddha Vihar.

Also Read: Bhubaneswar Salia Sahi evictions: Odisha govt promises permanent homes for all displaced

However, even after the warning, many did not comply. Exactly an hour later, bulldozers returned and resumed demolition.

"We are not denying the fact that we are residing on government land. However, we didn't like the immediate eviction," said an encroacher at Salia Sahi.

"Who has authorised BMC for eviction. First, they should make rehabilitation. They are not abiding by the High Court Order," said an encroacher at Salia Sahi.

During the two-day eviction drive, several encroachers whose houses had already been demolished took shelter illegally in open spaces. Demanding land instead of the allotted apartments, they set up temporary tents and continued their protest.

As the warnings were ignored, the joint squad of BDA and BMC today cleared even these open encroachments, removing the remaining occupants from the area.

A total of 562 houses had been constructed in Salia Sahi on encroached land. Of these, nearly 400 were demolished by yesterday. Today, the joint squad razed another 162 structures, clearing them of encroachments.

Beds, cots, almirahs, refrigerators, coolers, and several other household items were found inside the houses. Residents shifted these belongings elsewhere using tractors. Electricity and cable connections to the area were also disconnected today.

Meanwhile, newly built, well-furnished apartments have been constructed for the slum dwellers at Buddha Vihar. These 1 BHK units come with toilets, balconies, bedrooms, tiled flooring, and uninterrupted electricity and water supply — essentially ready to move in.

Yet, some encroachers remain unwilling to relocate, claiming they already have many facilities in their previous structures.

"We are happy. We would not have got houses like this. The government has provided us with houses. However, we are worried as we have only one room," said a resident of Buddha Vihar.

"The government is providing us with houses. However, one more room would have been better for a family," said another resident of Buddha Vihar.

BMC Commissioner has stated that only eligible beneficiaries among those evicted will be provided housing. Currently, 455 housing units are available. The identification of eligible beneficiaries will be completed soon. Houses are being allotted to people through a lottery system. Many families have already been relocated to flats at Buddha Vihar.

Meanwhile, the Urban Development Minister said that some individuals are deliberately misleading the residents who are refusing to vacate their houses in Salia Sahi. According to him, these people have rented out multiple houses illegally. Fearing demolition of their structures, they are spreading misinformation. The government has initiated action against them. The slum will be cleared, and all residents will be properly rehabilitated.

"Those were in the immigration list have been kept in a flat at Buddha Vihar. We have reserved around 450 houses. If more houses are required, we have a sufficient number of houses with us. Those who are eligible will get houses," said BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana.

"You all know why they are opposing. They are simple people, and they are being influenced by others. Everybody will be settled and nobody will be deprived by this government," said Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra.

Some encroachers in Salia Sahi had been obstructing the construction of the alternative parallel road on the Jaydev Vihar–Nandankanan route. With 562 structures now demolished, work on the proposed 13-km road is expected to begin within the next month. This project is likely to significantly ease traffic congestion within the city.