Midnight inspection: Odisha Minister pulls up officials for filthy shelter homes in Bhubaneswar

In a surprise midnight inspection on Saturday, Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra visited several government-run shelter homes across Bhubaneswar to review living conditions and facilities provided to the residents.

The minister reached the shelters located at Ram Mandir, Kharvela Nagar, Master Canteen and Malisahi, where he interacted with the occupants to assess whether they were receiving food on time and availing basic amenities as mandated.

Mahapatra was visibly dissatisfied after observing unhygienic surroundings, clogged passages, dirty toilets and poor maintenance overall. He questioned officials on duty about the lack of cleanliness and asked why routine sanitation had not been carried out. How people can live in such conditions, the minister reportedly asked the staff, expressing strong displeasure.

He directed officials to clean the premises immediately without delay and ensure that food, sanitation, and safety requirements are strictly followed. The minister also warned that he would make another visit to check whether the issues had been addressed.

“I visited the shelter homes today. The people who were rescued have been accommodated there. We are planning to improve the shelter homes and increase their numbers. We will also conduct regular surprise inspections,” the minister said.

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Senior BMC officials accompanied the minister during the inspection.