The Government has decided to evict encroachers from near public land and parks in a bid to develop green cover with German assistance in Bhubaneswar.
This was decided at a high level meeting recently attended by officials of the General Administration (GA) Department, Urban Development (UD) Department, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Commissionerate of Police.
According to sources, the move comes close on the heels of the German delegation visiting the State to discuss on ways to help State Government develop Bhubaneswar as a Smart City.
The delegation had visited various areas in the city. But it was unhappy over encroachment of Government land and the temporary shops, kiosks and slums on the Government land around several parks. The delegation suggested the officials to clear the areas before any development takes place.
Most of the parks in the city fall under BDA and BMC domain. The Government also spends huge amount through these agencies for the development of these parks.
However, with rampant encroachment, the condition around the Government parks are in a pitiable condition, the sources said.
The civic authorities moot footpaths around the park boundary for the pedestrians and people who visit the parks for morning and evening walks and small flower and ornamental plants.
In a bid to expedite development of these parks, various agencies will join an eviction drive to remove the shops, slums and illegal constructions around the parks.
Officials of GAD, BDA, BMC and police will ensure eviction and prevent future encroachments, said the officials.
The Urban Development Department, however, has asked the various agencies to be cautious during the eviction drive keeping in view the violence in Uttar Pradesh where an IPS officer and several civilians were killed during an eviction drive in a park in Mathura.