Sambalpur: Sambalpur Municipal Corporation; The Ongoing Effort to Clear Encroachments and Illegal Occupations
Sambalpur: As the population of the municipal corporation area grows, increasing congestion is experienced by the city. A widespread problem is seen with illegal occupation. To address this issue, a variety of measures have been implemented by the municipal corporation to remove encroachments. However, following these clearances, no development work or necessary steps are undertaken, resulting in repeated encroachments in the same areas over time. It has been complained by intellectuals that the game of encroachment and clearance has been ongoing in the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation area for several years.
When municipal corporation status was granted to Sambalpur in November 2013, hope was felt that the city’s development would accelerate and access to a variety of basic amenities would be gained by citizens. However, ten years later, a variety of challenges in accessing basic services continue to be faced by residents of the municipal corporation area. The city’s biggest problem is seen as roadside encroachment. Encroachment on all major roads has become commonplace. In areas where no encroachments are seen, roads are being narrowed due to parking and storing shop materials on them. To provide adequate space for vendors, pindi (marketplace) construction has been begun in several parts of the city. However, many of these pindi constructions have yet to become fully operational.
About a year ago, efforts were made to clear Sahu Colony so that an independent vending zone could be established, with separate pindi spaces planned for selling vegetables, fish, and meat. However, even after a year, the vending zone has not become operational, resulting in re-encroachment in Sahu Colony. It has been reported by the public that areas where encroachments were previously cleared have recently faced the same problem.
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Golebazar is another popular area in the city. Road encroachment is also common here. Golebazar Square was once declared a zero-tolerance zone for encroachments, with notification boards installed. Despite various measures being taken by the municipal corporation to remove encroachments, traffic congestion continues to persist from Golebazar Square to Vaikuntha Square and from Golebazar Square to Gate Cinema Square. Both roads are being narrowed, causing problems for vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Similar issues are present from Golebazar Square to Kacheri Square.
A modern market complex has been built to alleviate traffic congestion in Golebazar Square. However, it is not yet operational. The matter has been brought to the attention of Municipal Commissioner Bedbhushan. Despite encroachments being cleared, no development work has taken place in the vacant areas. An assurance has been given by the Commissioner that the Golebazar Market Complex will soon be operational.
While the municipal corporation’s efforts are commendable, there is a clear need for sustained and strategic urban planning. Only through consistent follow-up actions and comprehensive development plans can the issues of congestion and encroachment be effectively managed.
