Jeypore,: The process of clearing encroachments around the Jagannath Sagar has picked up pace. The administration has initiated measures to expedite the removal of illegal occupations along the lake banks. As part of this, 43 families residing to the west of Rajamshani, near the Christian Sahi-Panchanan Temple Bypass Road, will be relocated. The process of identifying land for their relocation has already started. A model colony will be developed at the identified site.
Land Identification Started, Model Colony to Be Built
The Municipal Executive Officer, Siddharth Pattnaik, stated that all basic amenities would be provided to the relocated families. Vishnu Baddhan Reddy and others were present during this announcement.
Today, Mr. Pattnaik, along with Tehsildar Pradhan Tuliamma, visited various parts of the town. They inspected areas around the Sagar lake where encroachments have occurred, and surveyed government land at places like Jayanagar Square, Gadi Adhobasahi (MCC), and Dangaguda. They also identified spaces for vending zones and for storing construction materials from demolished houses. Discussions were held regarding the amount of land required for relocating people living near Chandanbada High School and the west side of Rajamshani. Municipal JE Pratap Chandra Acharya, RI Bimal Kumar Dukhie, and councilors were present.
Regarding the matter, Mr. Pattnaik mentioned that development works around the Sagar have commenced. Park construction at Panchanan Temple Square is underway. For the displaced families, certain places in the city outskirts have been identified. Approximately 2 acres of land will be required to accommodate the 43 families. After land measurement and verification, the Tehsildar has been requested to proceed with the eviction of encroachments. Following the land transfer, a model colony will be established there. Discussions with affected residents will be conducted as per the instructions of ENRG (Energy Department).
Relocation will be carried out under the Odisha Urban Slum Improvement and Redevelopment Act, 2017. Each family will be provided with a free 323 square feet plot of land. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh will be given to each family to construct their houses. Residents will build their own houses. The municipal administration will ensure comprehensive development of the area, including paved roads, drains, community halls, drinking water supply, and street lights. A small park for children will also be developed.
Earlier, a similar colony was created at Kesinga in Kalahandi district. If constructed, this colony in Jaypur will be the second such model in the state.
It may be noted that a case related to the Sagar lake development was filed before the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The court had directed the district administration to clear encroachments around the lake. Encroachments near Chandanbada School west side, Jayanagar Square, and surrounding areas were specifically mentioned for clearance. Upon investigation, it was found that 43 people had encroached upon lands recorded under account numbers 1783/11 and 1404/4. Later, 54 people were issued notices by the Tehsil office. They were given a month’s time to vacate. However, due to the COVID-19 lockdowns, the eviction process was delayed.