The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) launched a significant eviction drive on Friday to clear illegal encroachments along multiple stretches of the city. The operation targeted areas including the stretch from CDA Sector-1 to Krushak Bazar and another key route from Chandi Mandir to Stewart School.
Details of the Eviction Drive
According to CMC officials, more than 70 illegal structures were demolished during the operation. These included temporary sheds, roadside stalls, and unauthorized extensions. On the CDA Sector-1 to Krushak Bazar stretch alone, approximately 60 stalls were evicted. The drive was conducted with the assistance of enforcement squads and police personnel to ensure smooth execution and prevent any untoward incidents. Many of these structures had encroached upon public land, obstructing pedestrian movement and vehicular traffic.
Shramika Bibhutiray, enforcement team leader at CMC, stated, “The drive was part of a broader initiative to reclaim public spaces and improve traffic flow in congested areas of the city. We have demolished over 70 illegal structures across these stretches. The areas witnessed a steady rise in unauthorized constructions over the years, leading to bottlenecks and inconvenience for daily commuters.”
Public Reaction
Local residents have expressed support for the eviction drive. Muna Behera of Chandi Chhak area said, “We welcome the move. Eviction drives should be conducted regularly across the city, because within a few days of removal, the same shops come up again at the same spots. Without strict monitoring and continuous action, these efforts will not have any lasting impact.”
Official Commitment
Mayor Subhash Singh reaffirmed the civic body's dedication to keeping the city's roads and public spaces free of encroachments. He said, “We are committed to keeping the city’s roads and public spaces free of encroachments. Enforcement drives will continue in phases across the city to curb illegal encroachments and maintain order in public spaces.”
The CMC plans to conduct similar operations in other parts of the city to address the persistent issue of unauthorized constructions. The civic body has urged citizens to cooperate and refrain from encroaching on public land to ensure smoother traffic and safer pedestrian pathways.
