Bulldozers in Chilika: Puri Admin Flattens Illegal Farmhouse
Key Points
Illegal farmhouse in Chilika razed by Puri administration under magistrate supervision.
Built without clearance on ecologically sensitive land; notice issued in 2022.
Five platoons of police and two JCBs deployed for high-security demolition.
Puri, Sep 11: In a bold enforcement move, the Puri district administration has demolished an illegally constructed farmhouse located in the middle of Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon.
The farmhouse, built on 30 decimal land in the Majar Jaana Pada area of Krushnaprasad block by Akshay Tarei of Badjhada village, was razed under heavy security deployment.
The demolition was carried out under the supervision of a magistrate, with support from five platoons of police, including an Additional SP, two DSPs, and three Inspectors. Two JCB machines were deployed to execute the eviction, which had been pending since a notice was served in 2022.
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✨The farmhouse had violated environmental and land-use regulations, raising concerns among locals and environmentalists. Authorities confirmed that the structure was built without proper clearance and encroached upon ecologically sensitive zones of Chilika.
This action is part of a larger crackdown on illegal constructions in and around Chilika, following directives from the Orissa High Court to protect the lake’s fragile ecosystem. Similar drives have been conducted to remove unauthorized prawn gheries and enclosures that threaten biodiversity and water quality.
The district administration reiterated its commitment to
restoring Chilika’s natural balance and warned that further illegal
encroachments will face similar consequences.