The state government now finds itself in an unenviable position as ruling BJD leaders have joined hands with slum-dwellers of Sandhakuda in opposing eviction.
"A billion dollar question is why shouldn’t the much touted benefits of the rehabilitation and resettlement policy of the government be extended to slum-dwellers who are being evicted," asked a local BJD leader.
Is the RR policy exclusive to industrial displaced families? If it is implemented in areas which are encroached by people in a project site why should the same be denied to slum-dwellers of Sandhakuda, he pointed out.
Four hundred fortyfive families living in Sandhakuda here are facing eviction for the construction of sea surge protection wall and a pipe line of the IOC Oil Refinery project. Sandhakuda is inhabitated by fishermen for over four decades, almost ever since the port came into existence here.
Recently, the state government directed port authorities to evict 445 families for construction of sea surge protection wall and to the pipe line of the refinery project. Chief secretary Mr Taurn Kanti Mishra held a review meeting on the refinery project related issues and the need for acquiring land. Port authorities who attended the meeting were asked to ensure early eviction of the families living in Sandhakuda area.
Promptly, port authorities initiated the process only to find stiff resistance by locals including ruling BJD leaders. The would be oustees led by BJD leaders held a meeting and vowed to oppose the eviction drive without rehabilitating the displaced families.
BJD leaders Mrs Sabita Mohapatra, Mr Basant Biswal, Mr Gobind Tarai and Mr Gayadhar Das criticised the move saying a proper rehabilitation plan should be put forth before evicting people.
Ex-councilor, Paradip Municipality Mr K Jagnath Rao pointed out that more than 2,000 families have been living in the slum for ages and most of them are telegu speaking people. Bangladeshi fishermen of Ghanghalia area have been resettled at Bhitargarh and Balijhari areas but fishermen of Sandhakuda are not given the same benefit, he alleged. Mr Rao threatened to intensify the agitation.