Bhubaneswar, April 18 -- A large-scale anti-encroachment drive is underway in Shampur Mouza under Bharatpur police limits on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, with the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) continuing the operation for the second consecutive day on Saturday. Termed one of the biggest eviction drives by the agency, the operation began early in the morning at around 7 am.

The drive aims to clear nearly 68 acres of encroached land. However, the action has sparked controversy, with several affected residents alleging that the land had been sold to them and that no prior notice was served before the demolition.

On Friday, the BDA launched a major demolition exercise under the direction of Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana, with Joint...