The Odisha Government has recently begun a large-scale eviction drive in Salia Sahi, Bhubaneswar’s largest slum, to clear land for the proposed 13-km left parallel road between Jayadev Vihar and Nandankanan. The operation, led by teams from the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and Bhubaneswar Development Authority with police support, aims to remove over 500 homes along the project stretch.

On the first day, around 80 families were relocated and 65 structures were demolished, with 10 bulldozers and 50 support vehicles deployed for the operation. Authorities said the eviction remained largely smooth despite protests from residents, activists and political groups.

The BMC has identified about 550 houses for removal, with work expected to continue for another three to four days. Around 274 families have been provisionally listed for rehabilitation, while others are classified as encroachers. Several residents said they were not given sufficient notice and reiterated demands for rehabilitation with a minimum 600 sq ft dwelling unit. Some also alleged violations of Forest Rights Act provisions.

The CPI(M) has called for proper resettlement before further demolition, accusing the state government of displacing over 550 Adivasi and working-class households. The party warned of statewide protests and noted that Bhubaneswar’s MP had previously assured 600 sq ft plots for eligible families.