Samlei Scheme: Commotion over eviction, protest and agitation in front of District Collector’s office

Sambalpur: The administration has faced fierce opposition during the eviction process in Samlei Yojana. There was a scuffle with the police after they stormed into the office of the District Collector in protest against the demolition of the house. A woman was injured and admitted to the hospital. By the time the report is written, the people of the concerned pada are sitting in front of the District Collector’s office. It is to be noted that while the Samlei project work has already started, the eviction has not been completed yet. 80 families have received notices for eviction.

Their hearing is scheduled to be held on September 19 as they appear before the court for justice. However, the houses of Shiv Bhoi and Rajaram Goud of Ghunghutipada were demolished today by the administration. Meanwhile, the police force was deployed. Before the hearing, the villagers protested as to why the house was being demolished. But the administration did not listen to it. Instead, the police picked up 3 people for protesting against the eviction. People protested by sitting down in front of police vehicles. For a long time they did not give way. Later, they protested in front of Sambalpur District Collector’s office. Alleging that the administration is deliberately trespassing, he demanded to discuss with the District Collector for a solution. As they were not allowed to enter the District Collector’s office, they tried to sneak in. As a result, there was a brief standoff between the police and the villagers in front of the District Collector’s office. After reaching an understanding, a delegation went to the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Ajambar Mohanty for discussion. He said that a decision will be taken after discussing with the Sambalpur Mahanadar Corporation (SMC).

Even then, the residents of Pada were sitting in front of the District Collector’s office. Adi said that he will not be removed from the idea until there is a discussion with the District Collector and the release of the three people who were arrested by the police. They recently demanded resettlement based on the rules under which the administration is evicting our houses. However, Samlei said that everyone welcomed the plan.