In the third phase of the eviction drive in Rourkela on Tuesday for execution of important projects for development of the steel city, the railway authorities and the local administration demolished 168 hamlets for construction of the second railway gate. The eviction of the slum dwellers from Malgodown Road and Nehrupali was undertaken as the area is proposed to be used for establishment of a second railway gate and a railway wagon washery.
Source said that as per a prior notice, railway and local administrative officials along with two platoons RPF, JCBs, fire brigades, ambulances and water tankers arrived at the spot in morning. As the dwellers of the 168 hamlets were busy removing their belongings and demolishing the structures themselves, the authorities had no need to apply force for their eviction.
But the situation turned ugly when it was noticed that no step was taken to evict a private saw mill from the unauthorised area. locals staged a dharna and demanded eviction of the mill, failing which they would not cooperate in the demolition drive. So, the drive had to be withheld in the midway. The eviction drive would be resumed on Wednesday, said sources. But till evening, it was noticed that the slum dwellers were busy demolishing their structure and shifting their belongings as they knew the reality.
The local administration sources said that in coming days the eviction drive would be undertaken in other parts of the city for execution of other projects.
Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party leader Binay Tiwari launched a hunger strike demanding early rehabilitation of the eviction victims.