Eviction overdrive in Baleswar after Odisha HC order

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Baleswar, Apr 8:

Municipal authorities in the district headquarters town of Baleswar went on an overdrive on Wednesday to free the town of encroachments following orders from the Odisha High Court.

Municipal authorities armed with excavators razed to the groinds encroachments on both sides of the road on the stretch from the Station Square to Pani Tanki Square to make way for construction of drains before the commencement of the rainy season. The operation took place with heavy police bandobast and in the presence of a magistrate.

“No information was given to us. We somehow managed to salvage our belongings after we heard from our advocate that the stay has been vacated. But no one had informed us of the demolition drive,” said shopkeeper Niranjan Swain, his eyes moist with tears.

Some shopkeepers had opposed the eviction drive demanding their rehabilitation before eviction.

The administration has however, made it clear that the town will be made free of all encroachments in the coming days.

“Construction of drains is underway. If it is not done, this area will be submerged during the rainy season. Since Works department has started work on construction of drains, we have launched the eviction drive. Some people might be opposing it but a majority of the people will benefit from it as the road will be widened and there will be no traffic congestion,” said Subash Chandra Jena, Executive Officer, Baleswar Municipality.