Bhubaneswar, May 19 (BNP): A joint eviction drive conducted by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, and the General Administration (GA) Department in the Kalarahanga area under Patia on Tuesday triggered protests from local residents, as officials moved to clear alleged encroachments from government land. The operation was undertaken as part of the administration’s ongoing anti-encroachment and urban land reclamation exercise in the State Capital.
Officials deployed earthmovers and enforcement teams to remove unauthorised structures and reclaim public land, while police personnel remained present to maintain law and order during the drive. The agencies stated that the exercise was aimed at facilitating planned urban development and ensuring the protection of government land from illegal occupation. Similar anti-encroachment drives have recently been undertaken across Bhubaneswar as part of coordinated civic and infrastructure initiatives.
However, tensions escalated when several residents and affected families staged protests, alleging inadequate notice and expressing concern over displacement and loss of shelter. Protesters reportedly raised slogans and demanded intervention from the administration, seeking clarity on rehabilitation measures and the rationale behind the eviction.
Despite resistance at the site, officials continued the eviction process, maintaining that action against encroachment is being carried out in accordance with government directives and urban planning requirements. Authorities are expected to review the situation while continuing similar enforcement drives in identified areas of the city.
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