Bhubaneswar, July 8 -- The Central Enforcement Monitoring Committee (CEMC) on Wednesday launched a demolition drive against alleged illegal shops and structures along the roadside stretch between Patia and KIIT in Bhubaneswar.

The action was being carried out against buildings that authorities said were constructed by encroaching on government land.

Bulldozers were deployed to remove the alleged unauthorised structures, many of which reportedly existed for a long time. Officials said the eviction drive was part of an operation to clear government land from encroachments.

The demolition drive was being carried out by various departments under the Central Enforcement Monitoring Committee (CEMC). Officials from the Bhubaneswar Development...