Sambalpur: Encroachment Cleared from Mudipada Square to Station Road, Shops Demolished to Ease Traffic

Sambalpur: The main roads under the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation have become narrower due to illegal encroachments. Since last December, the eviction drives have stopped due to elections. However, the Municipal Corporation has now resumed action. Today, the eviction started from Mudipada Square to Farmer’s Road. Illegal structures were demolished using JCB machines.

Recent Eviction Notices

After halting the eviction for several months, the Municipal Corporation issued notices to remove unauthorized shops and structures from Church Square to Fatak Police Station on the 15th of this month, and the eviction occurred on the 16th. The administration also decided to extend this road and use it as an alternate route from Fatak to Church Square.

Measuring Roads and Removing Encroachments

On the 17th of this month, the road from Mudipada Farm Road was measured and boundaries were marked. The authorities directed the removal of illegal encroachments. Following this, on Monday, in the presence of police and revenue officials, the Municipal Corporation started the eviction process. They demolished eight shops on the left side of the road near the Agriculture Department Office, which were obstructing traffic and causing congestion.

Future Road Widening Plans

The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation intends to convert this road into a median-divided road. To accomplish this, a width of 22 to 25 meters is needed. As a result, land acquisition will take place in conjunction with the eviction. According to the revenue department, some of the shops on the right side of the road are on trust land, while the houses on the left are on private land.

Traffic Congestion and Discussions with House Owners

This area frequently experiences traffic jams, and discussions with house owners are underway. The authorities will follow legal procedures for land acquisition. The widening of the road to 22 meters raises questions about the future of the municipal shops located in front of the Agriculture Office.

Municipal Corporation’s Eviction Strategy

Some claim that the Municipal Corporation evicts shop owners without giving them enough time to leave. The Sambalpur Municipality’s lack of foresight has resulted in the construction of shop complexes in several areas, including the road near the Main Hospital and in front of the Agriculture Office. These structures are narrowing the roads and causing traffic problems. The Municipal Corporation has announced that shops in critical areas will be demolished.

Officials Present During the Eviction

Municipal Enforcement Officer Sushant Kumar Sahu, Sadar Tehsildar Manoj Prabhakar Kujur, Town Police Station Officer Ranjan Kumar Biswal, members of the Encroachment and Revenue Teams, and a platoon of police officers carried out the eviction.