Sambalpur, June 23: The municipal corporation today launched a demolition drive at Zilla School Chhak to pave the way for several development and beautification projects.
"Twenty-two shops managed by the civic body will be evicted to facilitate developmental projects," said the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation's deputy commissioner Sudhansu Bhoi.
The corporation had served notice to the shopkeepers earlier. The chhak area will be handed over to the public works department after the eviction is over. The department will carry out the development and beautification projects at the place.
"A park will be developed near the historical Paltan well, which is located near the chhak. The Paltan well will also be renovated. The chhak will be named after A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and a statue of the former President will also be installed there," said Bhoi.
This apart, the drain, which passes through the chhak, will be widened. A pavement will be built along the road. The shopkeepers, who will be evicted from the Zilla School Chhak area, will be accommodated at Senpark, Kamlibazar and Bhutapara.
"The eviction will also result in more road space and ease vehicular movement at the busy chhak," said Bhoi. Adequate police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order during the eviction drive today.
Residents have welcomed the civic body's decision to develop Zilla School Chhak. They have also welcomed the proposal to name the chhak after Kalam, who had come to Sambalpur to attend the 150th anniversary of the Chandrasekhar Behera Zilla School, located near the chhak, on November 29, 2014.
"I am really happy that the chhak will be named after such a great personality," said local resident Jitendra Pani.
"Zilla School Chhak is one of the busiest crossings in the city and traffic is frequently chaotic here, especially during the evening hours. The eviction will ease the traffic movement at this place. Moreover, development of a park adjacent to the Paltan well will make the area look beautiful. The well will also get new lease of life," said Bhupesh Dash, a commuter.
