The New Indian Express 07.01.2010

Massive encroachment, hurdle in development

SAMBALPUR: Massive encroachments in Sambalpur, Burla and Hirakud are a major roadblock to development. Yet neither the State Government nor the district administration seems interested in evicting the encroachers to ensure better use of the land. The vote bank politics ensures that the encroachers get patronage from political parties and leaders. In the past, announcements by Sambalpur Municipality to clear encroachments were called off after the encroachers took out rallies and managed to garner political support against the move. In the towns of Sambalpur, Hirakud and Burla, a mere 5,225 persons are in possession of 803 acres of government land. The highest number of encroachers is in Burla town where 1,564 people have encroached on 361.937 acres of land while in Sambalpur 2,057 persons have encroached on 188.342 acres of land whereas in Hirakud 1,604 persons have 253.035 acres of government land in their possession. The massive encroachments have narrowed down the thoroughfares. While these are the official figures, the actual figures are astronomical, revealed an official in the Revenue Department. Many among the encroachers have applied for regularisation of their land which is awaiting approval. Though encroachment cases are filed, very often encroachers end up settling the land in their favour after payment of some consideration. The very fact that Sambalpur has no playground left for public use speaks volumes about the problem. Even water bodies are not spared. Contacted, Sambalpur Sub-Collector Bibhuti Bhusan Behera said the administration was aware of the encroachment problem and the Revenue Department would undertake a special drive to evict encroachers in Burla, while Sambalpur Municipality has been asked to evict encroachers from municipal.