Forest dept flags illegal occupation at Bhubaneswar Wildlife campus, seeks action

Illegal encroachment has emerged as a serious issue at the Bhubaneswar Wildlife Range Office campus, where unauthorised occupants have allegedly taken over government land, including official quarters meant for forest personnel.

Officials said over 30 families are illegally residing inside the campus. Encroachers have reportedly built houses on government land and are even renting out portions of the occupied structures. The situation has led to obstruction of public pathways, sanitation problems and growing disorder within the Bhubaneswar Wildlife Range Office and the Chandaka Wildlife Division premises.

Confirming the development, a Deputy Range Officer Dhyana Tudu said, “Several people have illegally occupied government land inside the wildlife range campus. This has created serious problems for office functioning, cleanliness and movement.” 

He further said that the forest staff quarters have also been encroached upon, forcing employees to stay outside the campus. “Many of our staff members are now living in rented houses, which makes it difficult to report for duty on time, especially during emergencies,” he said.

The Chandaka Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) has written to the Directorate of Estates seeking eviction of the encroachers. Similar letters have also been sent to the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner and the concerned zonal office, requesting immediate action.

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Due to the occupation of official quarters, many forest personnel are forced to live in rented houses outside the campus, which has made it difficult for them to perform duties efficiently, especially during emergencies. Officials warned that continued inaction could further disrupt wildlife management and administrative work in the area.