Bhubaneswar, Nov. 22 -- The joint BMC and BDA eviction drive at Salia Sahi in Bhubaneswar continued for the fifth consecutive day with bulldozers razing 562 houses as of Friday, clearing approximately eight to twelve acres for a parallel road project connecting Jaydev Vihar and Nandankanan.

Sources reported that at the end of the fifth day of demolitions, the area saw completely partially demolished structures being fenced to prevent re-encroachment. BMC authorities stated that they had fenced the perimeter of the playground area and nearby stretches of land to secure government possession.

Displaced residents have been shifted to transit accommodation, while eligibility verification continues for permanent housing under state rehabilit...