Bhubaneswar: The barricades placed in front of ‘Naveen Niwas’, the official residence of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Old Airport Road, are likely to be removed soon.
Following strong observations by the Orissa High Court, the Works Department has initiated steps to clear the obstructions on the public road. The department has written to the Home Department seeking views from the Commissionerate Police and DCP Traffic on whether the security barricades can be removed and if any alternative security arrangements are needed.
The development comes after the High Court expressed serious displeasure over the inaction of the authorities in allowing barricades on a government road, which was causing inconvenience to the general public and obstructing smooth traffic movement.
As per reports, the case was filed by one Prakash Chandra Das, who alleged that the barricades and structures near Bhimpur mauza were illegally restricting public access. The petitioner had requested the court to direct the removal of all unauthorised obstructions on the road. During the hearing on February 3, the High Court had pulled up senior officials and gave them three weeks’ time to conduct a field verification and remove the encroachments.
In the case, top bureaucrats including the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretaries of GA & PG and Works Departments, BMC Commissioner, and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik were made parties. The barricades and gate had been installed for the security of Naveen Patnaik when he was the Chief Minister.
The Works Department had received a communication from the GA & PG Department in April directing it to take necessary action. Officials are now actively processing the matter in compliance with the High Court’s directions.
“In compliance with the order, a Joint field verification has been conducted on 12.02.2026 by the GA&PG Department, Bhubaneswar Municipality Corporation (BMC), Works Department, BDA, Tahasil, Bhubaneswar, and Traffic Police, Bhubaneswar. The Joint verification report is enclosed for reference. As per the report, the land in question pertaining to plot no.-1071(pt) measuring an area Ac 0.229dec., situated in front of the Naveen Niwas, is surrounded by an iron barricade for security arrangements. The GA&PG Department vide the above-mentioned Letter has requested to take necessary action in the matter of shifting of barricade after obtaining inputs from Home Department, Commissionerate Police, and DCP(Traffic)”, read the notification.
