Sambalpur: SMC Demolished Durga Puja Pandal in Gobindtola; Local Residents Protest Strongly

Demolition Sparks Outrage

Sambalpur: In Sambalpur, authorities demolished the Durga Puja pandal in Govindtola, causing strong reactions. The Public Works Department (PWD) removed encroachments on government land, which led to chaos. Residents complained that their houses were demolished without prior notice. Some even accused officials of being biased in their actions.

Shops and Houses at Risk

The government land housed several shops and homes belonging to the Durga Puja committee. Officials warned shop and house owners to vacate within two days, or the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) would take action. The demolition occurred under the supervision of enforcement officers and the tahsildar.

Traffic Problems and Accidents

The encroachment on the Govindtola Chowk road caused major traffic issues and frequent accidents. Because of this, the PWD requested SMC to clear the area. SMC officials had multiple discussions with the Durga Puja committee before proceeding with the demolition.

Bulldozers Tear Down the Pandal

At exactly 9 AM, SMC bulldozers demolished the Puja pandal, despite protests from committee members. They questioned where they would now conduct the Puja. SMC assured them that there would be no issue in finding a suitable place for the festival.

Shops and Houses Rented Out

The Puja committee had rented out many shops and houses in the area. However, no one could stop the bulldozers as the demolition began. The situation became highly tense. Officials identified three houses standing on government land, leading to further resistance from local residents.

Residents Protest Over Toilet Demolition

One of the affected residents, Sabita Nayak, protested against the demolition of her toilet. Her household included a cancer patient, an elderly person, her mother, and her sister. They feared for their safety, especially at night, as they had to go outside for sanitation.

Unfair Treatment Allegations

Locals argued that five years ago, the government had marked the land while building a pole. However, no further construction happened. Now, without prior notice, their houses were being demolished, leaving them homeless. They demanded immediate construction of drains and roads in the area.

SMC Justifies Demolition

SMC stated that it had acquired private land in Govindtola and compensated eight affected families. Since all had accepted compensation, authorities repeatedly asked shop and house owners to vacate government land. SMC questioned why further notice was needed when compensation had already been provided. Officials also denied any bias in the eviction process.