Sambalpur: Expressing displeasure over evictions, people affected by the Samaleswari Temple Area Management and Local Economy Initiatives (SAMALEI) project in Sambalpur staged protests at the Collector’s office Friday.
The agitating people warned that they would not allow their eviction and resolved to fight against the administration.
“We were sleeping in our homes when the administration bulldozed our houses. If the government has guts, then we are ready to face bulldozers again,” they shouted.
They also alleged that details of the Samalei project are not being shared with them. The administration first announced to acquire land in 30-meter periphery of the Samaleswari temple.
Now, land is being acquired in larger area – within one and a half km periphery till Balibandh from the temple, they alleged.
“We doubt the intention of the government in execution of Samalei project. By acquiring land around the temple, the government wants to hand over it to the traders. Land on the Mahanadi bank will be acquired and private players will be invited to make hotels and resorts,” they said.
They said some political leaders are involved in this project while the administration is not giving any info on how much land is required for the project.
“We want development of Samaleswari temple. We don’t want displacement of people in the name of Samalei project. We don’t want compensations,” they observed.
Actually, the state government has adopted the Samalei scheme for business purposes. It is going to establish hotels and bars in larger interests of some businessmen at the cost of poor residents.
Once displaced, we will lose our livelihoods and shelter,” alleged protests. They said hundreds of families in Ghunagutipada, Rajmandirapada, Badabazar, Kamibazar and Balibandh will be displaced.
Residents of these areas had staged Jal Satyagraha in the Mahanadi river against displacement by the Samalei scheme earlier.
Under the scheme, announced February 17, the state government would implement various projects worth Rs 200 crore. Development of approximately 108 acres around the 16th century shrine will be taken up under the plan.
PNN