Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) on Friday initiated one of its largest eviction drives to clear alleged encroachments on 68 acres of government land in Shampur mouza of Bhubaneswar.
On the first day of the operation, authorities demolished 187 houses, including 31 under-construction structures, spread across eight acres under the jurisdiction of Bharatpur police limits. Officials said nearly 600 houses and other establishments identified as unauthorized constructions will be removed in phases to reclaim the entire land parcel.
The eviction drive was carried out with extensive arrangements, including the deployment of six earthmovers. Around 10 platoons of police force along with 50 officers were stationed at the site to maintain law and order. The operation remained largely peaceful, officials confirmed.
The action follows a case registered by BDA in December 2023 with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Police. The complaint alleged illegal encroachment and sale of portions of the land by land sharks. Authorities had sought criminal action against several individuals, including three accused of illegal sale and possession of government land.
BDA officials said the encroachments came to light after occupants began demarcating plots and laying foundations for permanent housing structures, prompting immediate enforcement measures.
The large-scale eviction underscores growing efforts by authorities to curb illegal land dealings and reclaim public land in fast-expanding urban areas of the state capital.
-OdishaAge
