Odisha Government Orders Demolition of 191 Illegal Apartments

The Odisha government has ordered the demolition of 191 illegally constructed apartments in Bhubaneswar, as announced by Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra in the state assembly. A total of 491 cases have been registered concerning illegal constructions under the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), of which 191 are set for demolition, while 63 cases have been dismissed and 237 remain in trial. Additionally, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reported 1,444 cases of unauthorized constructions, with 451 resolved and 993 pending. Mayor Sulochana Das indicated that the BMC would proceed with demolitions if the state government provides necessary compensation, as many builders have absconded, complicating enforcement. The illegal constructions have led to significant environmental issues, including the encroachment of natural water bodies, which has exacerbated drainage problems in the city. Actions against these violations are being taken under the Odisha Urban Development Authorities Act of 1982.