In a major urban development initiative, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) along with other civic authorities has intensified its demolition drive in Salia Sahi, the city's largest slum area. On Wednesday, enforcement teams demolished 201 additional illegal houses as part of a special eviction campaign aimed at clearing land for a crucial road project.
Massive Demolition Drive Enters Second Day
The ongoing operation represents the second day of a concentrated effort to remove unauthorized structures from the area. BMC officials confirmed that the total number of houses demolished over the two-day period has reached 283. The civic body has set an ambitious target to complete the demolition of the remaining 510 identified illegal houses within the next two days, with plans to relocate all affected families by Friday.
According to BMC additional commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo, the eviction exercise is proceeding according to schedule. "The eviction exercise is expected to be completed on Friday with five teams engaged in the job," Sahoo stated. He emphasized that none of the evicted residents would be left without shelter, as they are being promptly shifted with their belongings immediately after demolition.
Systematic Approach to Eviction and Relocation
The BMC has adopted a methodical approach to the sensitive eviction process. Residents received advance notice about the impending demolitions on Tuesday evening, allowing them sufficient time to remove their personal belongings from the marked structures. This proactive communication helped minimize conflicts and ensured a smoother execution of the demolition drive.
While the demolition work progresses rapidly, the civic administration faces significant challenges in managing the enormous quantity of rubble generated by the operation. BMC deputy commissioner for sanitation, N Ganesh Babu, explained that demolition and debris removal cannot be conducted simultaneously due to logistical constraints.
"The rubble consisting of bricks and concrete is currently piled up," Babu noted. "Most residents have already retrieved reusable materials like asbestos sheets, doors, windows, and other essential items. The systematic clearing of debris will commence once the demolition exercise concludes completely."
Relocation and Resident Response
The civic administration has established temporary shelters at the site for displaced families, who are being transferred in a phased manner to the designated relocation colony at Buddha Vihar. The relocation process appears to be proceeding systematically, with authorities ensuring that basic amenities are available at the new settlement.
Susanta Barada, a 60-year-old long-term resident of Salia Sahi, shared his perspective on the transition. "I spent 35 years in the slum and got one son and daughter married there," Barada recounted. While acknowledging that they anticipated the eviction eventually, he expressed satisfaction with the relocation arrangements. "I have shifted to the colony, where I have been provided with a flat with two rooms and all basic facilities. My son and his family also got one flat."
The presence of adequate police deployment ensured that Wednesday's demolition proceeded without any significant resistance from residents. Multiple government departments including BMC, BDA, police, Watco, energy, and fire services collaborated in the extensive eviction drive.
This large-scale clearance operation will facilitate the recovery of approximately 800-900 meters of land earmarked for the proposed 13-kilometer left parallel road connecting Ekamra Kanan and Andharua. The infrastructure project represents a significant step in Bhubaneswar's urban development planning, aiming to improve connectivity and decongest existing traffic routes in the growing city.
