NEW DELHI: The district administration in Balasore, Odisha, imposed a curfew on Saturday ahead of an eviction drive to remove people who have illegally occupied railway land.
The unauthorised occupants are blocking the construction of a third rail line that will connect Narayangarh in West Bengal to Bhadrak in Odisha, passing through Balasore. The new rail line is being built to reduce traffic and improve connectivity.
“Curfew is hereby imposed in the area from Aradbazar to vegetable market, Haripur to Darji pokhari chak, Kasimila bridge to Fuladi chak, Nuabazar railway gate, Golapola and Nuabazar vegetable market on both sides of the road from 4 am to 10 pm on 11th January and 4 am to 10 pm on 12th January,” Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Balasore said in an order.
The order, under the powers vested with the SDM by Section 163 of BNSS, aims to prevent any disturbances during the eviction process.
“This prohibitory order is promulgated to prevent any breach of peace and law and order as there is every possibility of apprehension of serious breach of peace and law and order situation, that may arise in the locality in Mauza-Jadpur, Akatpur, and Bhaskarganj during the eviction process on Railway land,” an official said.
The order also stated: “No person shall leave their homes or shall move on foot or by vehicle or travel or stand or roam around on any road or public place (except for emergency medical aid) from the said areas.”