Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday initiated the large-scale eviction process at Salia Sahi, the city’s largest slum cluster, triggering intense public anger and widespread protests from residents. The operation, carried out under heavy security, has raised serious concerns about displacement, rehabilitation, and administrative sensitivity.
According to locals, the eviction began without the authorities providing alternative housing, leaving thousands uncertain about where they would stay during the peak of winter. Women, children, and elderly residents joined the demonstrations, accusing the BMC of forcibly dismantling homes and ignoring repeated appeals for temporary shelters.
The BMC deployed five platoons of police to control the unrest as several slum structures were razed. Residents alleged that despite their protests, the demolition continued, leaving many families out in the open. “We want shelter first,” the protesters shouted, calling the move harsh and inhumane.
The situation remains tense as the administration maintains that the eviction is part of an ongoing urban redevelopment plan, while affected families insist that the process should only continue after rehabilitation measures are in place.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement addressing the immediate resettlement of displaced resident. BMC has demolished the slum area for the construction of new roads that is going to be connecting through the rout. Around 500 houses were identified to be removed from the area.
-OdishaAge
