Odisha Govt Initiates Demolition of 221 Unsafe Buildings in Cuttack Following High Court Directive
High Court directive prompts Odisha to take stringent measures against unsafe buildings in Cuttack
Cuttack, Sept 19: The Odisha State Government has begun the process to demolish 221 buildings in Cuttack identified as unsafe, following directives from the Orissa High Court. The move aims to safeguard public safety in the city, a former state capital and major commercial hub.
A division bench of Justices S K Sahoo and V Narasingh had earlier directed the district administration to report on steps taken regarding the demolition of structures posing a threat to residents. A committee appointed by the Cuttack administration confirmed that 219 of these unsafe buildings are owned by public authorities, while two are privately owned.
Under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, 15 cases have been initiated against the concerned authorities to vacate and demolish the structures. Notices were issued, and hearings were conducted by the Sub-Collector, Sadar, Cuttack, who subsequently passed orders for evacuation.
An affidavit submitted to the High Court highlighted a coordination meeting held on September 4, involving representatives from the Cuttack Development Authority, Cuttack Municipal Corporation, and the Superintending Engineer’s office. Detailed plans were discussed to ensure the immediate implementation of the demolition orders, and communications have been sent to all other building custodians for compliance.
The state government’s action is being closely monitored to ensure the safety of residents while enforcing legal and procedural measures for the removal of dangerous structures.
