Argus News - Odisha Govt Assures Housing for Salia Sahi Evictees, BMC Confirms 455 Homes Ready

Bhubaneswar, Nov 20: The Odisha government has reiterated its commitment to provide housing for all eligible families evicted during the ongoing eviction drive in Salia Sahi, Bhubaneswar’s largest slum cluster.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra and BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana addressed concerns over rehabilitation and clarified the government’s position.

Mahapatra stated that every displaced family will be allotted housing under government schemes. He alleged that certain individuals, particularly those who own multiple houses and rent them out, are deliberately misleading residents to resist eviction.

Also read: Operation Bulldozer Continues in Bhubaneswar’s Salia Sahi

“Some wealthy groups are spreading confusion because they fear losing illegally occupied houses. The government is taking action against them and will intensify measures further,” he said.

The Housing and Urban Development Minister also criticized previous administrations for failing to act against encroachers over the past 24 years, instead extending support to them. He argued that this negligence has doubled the current problem. “All encroachments will be cleared, and every genuine resident will be rehabilitated,” Mahapatra added.

BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana echoed the assurance, confirming that 455 houses are currently available for immediate allotment, with more units ready if required. “No eligible beneficiary will be deprived of housing. However, ineligible persons will not be provided homes,” he emphasized.

Saying the identification process for beneficiaries will begin soon, Rana explained that many families have already been relocated through a lottery system, with several shifted to flats in Buddha Vihar. Others are temporarily housed in community centres and mandaps, where they are being provided three meals daily. To ensure children’s education is not disrupted, the district administration has arranged for their enrollment in nearby schools.

Rana highlighted that the eviction drive is essential for Bhubaneswar’s development, particularly for constructing the much-needed parallel road on the city’s left flank. “Clearing encroachments is vital for infrastructure projects. Notices were issued earlier, and now we are ensuring both eviction and rehabilitation,” he said.

The government’s focus on eviction and resettlement aims to balance urban development with social responsibility, ensuring that displaced families are not left homeless while the city expands its infrastructure.