The Times of India             03.12.2013

Cuttack Development Authority starts identifying encroachers

CUTTACK: Taking its cue from Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) has started identifying unauthorized constructions and illegal encroachments. Recently, the BDA started demolishing a five-storey building, illegally constructed, in Bhubaneswar.

"Our surveyors are identifying encroachments on roads, drainage channels and government land, besides multi-storey illegal constructions. Once the identification process is completed, notices will be issued to the encroachers," said vice-chairman of CDA Pratap Das.

Stringent action will be taken against those, who do not comply with the notice, added Das.

"We are trying our best to complete the identification process within a month and then we would start taking action against the encroachers. If required, we would also demolish the illegal constructions," said a CDA official.

People of the city accused CDA authorities of being lenient with encroachers.

"In the last few years, many illegal constructions have come up at Markat Nagar, where people have not followed the approved plan and also encroached upon the road. But as CDA authorities are not taking action, people continue to violate the norms," said Pradip Patnaik, a Lawyer.

CDA authorities refuted the allegations. "We have been raiding residential premises used for commercial purposes. We are also imposing fine on owners, who have not followed the approved plan," said Das.