Bhubaneswar: The joint enforcement squad of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), and the Works Department on Thursday concluded a three-day massive eviction drive in Salia Sahi, the largest slum in the Odisha capital.
A total of 562 illegal structures built on government land were demolished during the operation that ended today. Authorities used 12 earthmovers and over 300 personnel, including four platoons of police, to clear the encroachment spread over 18 acres along the Ganga Nagar-Dhauli road stretch, paving the way for a left parallel road..
Officials said the land belongs to the General Administration Department and was required for various public projects, including road widening and drainage channels.
Speaking on the development, Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said, “The eviction was carried out strictly against illegal constructions on government land. However, the State Government is fully committed to the welfare of genuine slum dwellers. All eligible displaced families will be rehabilitated and provided pucca houses.
