Cuttack: Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) on Thursday launched an eviction drive in CDA Sector-7 and Sector-8 areas to remove unauthorised structures on major roads, footpaths and govt land. CMC said more than 10 illegal structures, including temporary sheds and extensions, were demolished by the enforcement staff supported by police personnel.Among the roads freed from illegal encroachments was the one connecting Sector 7 area near Rajkumar Salon to another arterial road. Another road connecting Sector 7 to Sector 8 near Adrith Dental hub was also cleared of encroachments. Earthmovers were pressed into service to dismantle the structures, while enforcement teams regulated traffic to avoid disruption during the operation.CMC official said “The eviction was part of an ongoing initiative to ensure planned urban development and public safety. We will not let any illegal structures in the vicinity. The operation also focused on clearing drains and open spaces that had been blocked due to unauthorised constructions, which often lead to waterlogging during the monsoon”.CMC mayor Subhash Singh said the action would continue in phases in other areas of the city. “The objective of this drive is to reclaim public land and ensure free movement on roads and footpaths. Encroachments pose serious safety risks and hamper civic amenities. Similar drives will be carried out in other sectors as well,” added Singh. “We welcome the move. Illegal constructions had narrowed down roads and caused frequent traffic snarls in the area. This could have been done earlier so that such a large number of illegal constructions would not have taken place,” said Srikant Samantaray, a resident of CDA, Sector 7.Civic officials said the enforcement drive is part of a larger plan to improve urban infrastructure and maintain order in rapidly growing residential zones of Cuttack.
