Salia Sahi Clearance Linked to Road Project, Govt Promises Secure Housing
Bhubaneswar, Nov 20: The Odisha government has reaffirmed its commitment to provide permanent housing for all families displaced by the ongoing eviction drive in Bhubaneswar’s Salia Sahi settlement.
Urban Development Minister Krushnachandra Mohapatra, addressing the media on Thursday, stressed that the administration is focused on long‑term rehabilitation and secure housing rather than temporary arrangements.
Mohapatra alleged that certain individuals with vested interests are spreading misinformation to discourage residents from vacating.
According to him, some financially well‑off persons own multiple illegal structures in the slum and have been renting them out for profit. “These individuals are obstructing development efforts because they fear losing their illegal earnings,” he said, adding that action against such beneficiaries has already begun.
The Housing and Urban Development Department reiterated that no eligible resident will be left without shelter. Officials are documenting households and verifying eligibility to ensure transparency and prevent misuse.
The eviction drive is being carried out in compliance with a recent High Court directive supporting the removal of encroachments.
Simultaneously, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) are clearing land for a parallel road project connecting Ekamra Kanan and Andharua.
In the current phase, 517 structures have been identified for demolition, with the drive scheduled to continue until November 24.
The government’s assurance aims to balance urban development with humane rehabilitation, ensuring that displaced families are resettled with dignity and security.
