Bhubaneswar: Tension was reported in Niladri Vihar on Tuesday as the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) began demolishing 330 transit houses.
The demolition is being carried out in Niladri Vihar Phases I, II and III. The area has around 890 transit houses. Of these, 330 have been marked for demolition.
The houses were reportedly provided under the Buddha Vihar housing project. Several beneficiaries have already received permanent homes. However, some residents are still staying in the transit houses.
A section of residents opposed the demolition. They claimed that they were eligible beneficiaries but had not yet received permanent accommodation.
The protesters demanded relocation before the structures were removed. They also sought clarity on rehabilitation arrangements.
Women residents and local youths joined the protest. They raised concerns over eviction and demanded that the authorities address their issues first.
Police were deployed to prevent any clash. Three platoons of personnel were sent to the area. Teams from Nandankanan, Chandrasekharpur, Chandaka and Infocity police stations were also deployed.
Officials from the BMC and BDA remained at the spot during the operation. The demolition continued despite the protests.
The situation remained tense but under control as authorities proceeded with the drive.