The residents of the Ghunghitipada, close to the Samaleswari Temple, who are losing their homes due to the Samalei Yojana would soon be shifted to a new colony with all facilities.

“Total 54 houses have been completed and more will come up shortly,” informed Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Sahoo on Sunday.

Of the total 220 families of Ghunghitipada, 140 were evicted earlier for the project and they had been paid compensations. They are now staying in rented houses and constructing their own houses. But 80 families moved the High Court without accepting the package. They have been protesting eviction although they were staying in Government land of Ghungutipada.

“But for the interested persons, Government has provided Rs 3 lakh each for construction of houses. Besides, they have been paid the cost of the houses they were staying in. This is sufficient to build their houses as they have been given free land at Durgapali, just 1.5 km from their old houses,” said Sahoo.  

“While the Government is giving Rs 2 lakh for a Pradhan Mantri Awas, the evicted people are paid Rs 3 lakh for it and many other benefits. Still, some people are protesting and coming in the way of development,” Sahoo lamented. Further, those staying in rented houses are paid Rs 2,500 per month for house rent till completion of their houses in the new place, he added.

Houses built at Durgapali have all facilities with two living rooms, attached kitchen and toilets. There are also common toilets to meet extra requirement.

Notably, for beautification of the Samaleswari Temple in line of other shrines in the State, the Government has sanctioned Rs 200 crore and this may be enhanced as per the need. Under the plan, 108 acres of land around the temple will be developed with all modern facilities, for which some people are to be evicted. While a good number of people welcome the decision, only a few protest it although they are staying in Government land.