Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 (UDN): Tension over the proposed sealing of residential properties in the Odisha capital escalated on Wednesday as ‘Ame Bhubaneswaria’, a house owners’ association, staged a protest outside the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) office.
The association alleged that the civic body has issued notices for sealing hundreds of properties and claimed that the action could affect thousands of residents and businesses operating from residential premises.
House Owners Oppose Sealing Action
Members of the outfit staged a dharna at the BMC office, opposing notices issued over the alleged commercial use of residential buildings.
The protesters urged the civic authorities to consider the difficulties faced by property owners and occupants before taking coercive action. They also sought a review of the proposed measures in the interest of public convenience.
According to the association, the notices have created anxiety among residents and business owners who could face closure if their premises are sealed.
Association Questions Timing of Notices
Association president Basudev Bhatta claimed that its representatives had repeatedly met BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana, Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee, elected representatives and ministers to discuss the issue.
Bhatta alleged that the association had been assured that no sealing notices would be issued and no action would be taken until the government arrived at a final decision.
The association further claimed that the BMC issued 877 sealing notices during the Durga Puja period, describing the move as hasty and warning that businesses could be forced to shut down.
The outfit claimed that the action could potentially affect the livelihoods of around one to 1.5 lakh people.
Protesters Raise Supreme Court Order Issue
The house owners’ group also questioned the BMC’s stated reliance on a Supreme Court direction concerning the use of residential properties for commercial purposes.
Bhatta questioned why similar action was allegedly not being witnessed in several other major cities, including Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Raipur and Mumbai.
The association has urged the authorities to adopt a practical approach and consider the circumstances of affected residents and businesses before proceeding with sealing action.
BMC Response Awaited
The protest has brought renewed focus on the dispute between civic authorities and property owners over the commercial use of residential premises in Bhubaneswar.
No immediate response was available from BMC authorities regarding the allegations raised by the association or the number of properties facing sealing action.
Further developments are awaited.