Evictions to continue around Bhubaneswar: HC allows CRPF deployment to clear ‘land mafia’ in Khordha

The Orissa High Court has ordered the eviction of illegal occupants from 3.4 acres of government land in Bhagabatipur under Chilika tehsil, criticising the growing trend of land encroachment in Odisha.

The order came while disposing of a 2014 PIL filed by 14 residents of the locality and amid the intense Salia Sahi eviction drive in Bhubaneswar.

Orissa HC Slams ‘Land Mafia’

As reported by The New Indian Express, the bench took note of the state’s affidavit confirming large-scale illegal occupation and ruled that the land was ‘in occupation of strangers having no right, title and interest over the property.’ 

Calling land grabbers and ‘land mafia’ a threat to development, the bench warned that such encroachments were paralysing state infrastructure projects.

CRPF Deployment Allowed

Acting on a request from the Chilika tehsildar for additional support to execute the eviction, the Court directed the Khordha SP to deploy adequate police forces on dates chosen by the tehsildar. Significantly, it has also permitted the deployment of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel if local police strength proves insufficient.

Authorities have been given three months to clear the land, demolish unauthorised structures and complete necessary enquiries. The court further ordered prosecution and departmental action against officials who show negligence or delay in executing the eviction.

ALSO READ: Salia Sahi’s three-decade journey: How a small hamlet grew into a vast urban settlement in Bhubaneswar

Multiple Drives Underway Across State

Last week, the joint Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) drive in Salia Sahi saw 562 structures demolished to clear eight to twelve acres for an alternative Jaydev Vihar–Nandankanan road.

BMC has since fenced the cleared land to prevent re-encroachment and shifted displaced families to transit accommodation, where eligibility for permanent rehabilitation is still under verification.

In a separate ruling, the High Court recently permitted the redevelopment of Shantipalli in Saheed Nagar of Bhubaneswar, rejecting petitions that sought settlement rights on the basis of long-term occupation and civic documents.

The court reiterated that possession of voter ID, ration cards, Aadhaar or Jaga Mission amenities does not confer legal ownership over government land, and directed residents to shift to designated transit housing while redevelopment proceeds.