Sambalpur, April 11: Traders of Sambalpur today kept their shops closed supporting the demands of the evicted vendors.

A group of people yesterday opposed the ongoing eviction drive in Sansadak area. Today, two other groups opposed the eviction drive by Sambalpur Municipality.

The irate mob blocked the road at Municipality Chowk. “We are not opposed to the eviction drive, but the municipality should initiate it after proper notification and with prior announcement,” said Prashant Meher, an activist.

“We welcome the decision to demolish unauthorised structures, but the municipality has not even spared the balconies of the first floor,” he added. “The municipality has bulldozed some structures which are not illegal. We strongly object to this. Also, we believe that they should intimate the people who are going to be affected at least before 24 hours before such eviction drives,” said Asaf Ali Khan, local Congress leader.

Reena Trivedi, chairperson of Sambalpur Municipality, along with sub-collector Bibhuti Bhusan Behara, reached the spot and initiated discussions with the mob to pacify them. “The ongoing eviction drive will not be withdrawn,” said Trivedi.

However, she asked the protesters to constitute a seven-member body, which would prepare a list of irregularities that have been done during the demolition drive. She assured that the allegations about irregularities during the demolition drive would be properly inquired.

In a related incident, a group of vendors gheraoed the sub-collector’s office. The vendors however, did not oppose the eviction drive. They demanded proper rehabilitation.

“We do not oppose the eviction of the roadside vendors. But they should arrange proper rehabilitation before conducting such eviction drives,” said Satish Bishi of the Utha Dokani Sangh. Ashok Sony, councillor of ward No. 6 of the municipality, also said that the civic body should conduct such eviction drives only after considering all possible rehabilitation options for the vendors and hawkers.