BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has initiated a significant eviction operation in Salia Sahi, Bhubaneswar’s largest slum, to facilitate the construction of a new road aimed at reducing traffic congestion on the Jayadev Vihar-Nandankanan road, officials reported on Wednesday.
Despite protests from some residents, local activists, and political figures, a collaborative enforcement team from the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), and other departments began the eviction on Tuesday, supported by police presence.
Authorities have identified over 550 unauthorized residences for removal, with more than 80 demolished on the first day of the operation, which continued into its second day on Wednesday.
This eviction will clear land for nearly a 700-meter stretch of the 13-km left parallel road between Ekamra Kanan and Andharua, stated an officer.
Many affected families opposed the eviction, claiming they were not given adequate notice and demanded a designated 600 sq ft area for their new homes. Subsequently, police intervened to disperse the protesters.
Some evicted families were seen spending a cold night under polyphone covers in the area.
“We are not evicting anyone. We are relocating them, with each family receiving ₹1.50 lakh,” said BMC Deputy Commissioner (Enforcement), Ajay Mohanty.
ACP Biswaranjan Senapati noted that the eviction process is proceeding smoothly and aims to demolish 556 unauthorized dwellings, assuring that all affected have been provided new accommodations and that their belongings are being transported.
Meanwhile, opposition parties such as Congress and CPI (M) have voiced their concerns regarding the eviction and are calling for a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for those displaced.
State Congress President Bhakta Charan Das remarked that the government should not enforce such evictions without proper rehabilitation and adherence to the Land Acquisition Act-2013.
Criticizing the state government, CPI (M) Secretary Suresh Chandra Panigrahy accused them of leaving countless Adivasi slum dwellers homeless and vulnerable by utilizing bulldozers during harsh weather conditions.
He also claimed that the government has violated multiple laws, including the Forest Rights Act of 2006 and the Land Rights Act for slum dwellers, 2018, infringing on fundamental rights to life and housing.
The CPI (M) leader demanded immediate identification and proper rehabilitation of all affected slum dwellers.
In response, Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan stated, “We have provided a special package for slum dwellers to assist in their relocation, including housing and financial support. Many have consented to this process, while a few are opposing it for personal and political gains.”
