Deadline ends, administration yet to raze Odisha MLA’s AC cowshed

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Champua, Apr 30:

Even though the week long deadline came to an end yesterday, Odisha’s Keonjhar district administration today initiated no action to demolish the air conditioned cowshed constructed by Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud on encroached land.

Curiously, the administration wanted to offer him more time.

“So far as our information goes, he has started the work to shift the livestock kept there. However, the shifting is far from over. This is a sensitive matter as over 25 goats and cows are kept there. Given the temperature they are accustomed to, forcefully shifting them to another place might affect them adversely,” argued Keonjhar district Collector.

“I have asked the sub-collector to visit the spot tomorrow and ensure necessary steps are taken to complete the eviction drive within the stipulated timeframe allotted by the court,” he assured.

It may be noted here that acting on court orders, demolition of illegal construction over five acres of encroached land began on April 22 and boundary wall was completely razed on April 23.

The air conditioned cattle shed constructed on the premises, however, had been spared as the MLA on April 22 requested 10 days time to shift his livestock. The district administration had allowed him seven days time that ended yesterday.

Social activists, on the other hand, argued that this could be a plot on the administration’s part to allow Mahakud more time to move to the court and get a stay order on the eviction drive like he managed to get for his house.