The slum developed on the foothills of Budharaja forest. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, May 19: The forest department, which had launched a survey to identify encroachers in the Budharaja reserve forest, found 252 houses illegally constructed inside the forest area.

“Around 700 encroachers are enrolled in the electoral roll and a majority of 252 households have got power and water supply connection. We are preparing the survey report. We will submit the detailed and complete report to our higher authority,” said range officer of the Budharaja reserve forest S.C. Khuntia.

The forest, spread over 63 hectares, is a major tourist attraction of the city. The famous Budharaja temple is located atop the hill and attracts thousands of tourists and devotees. The forest is losing its attraction due to lack of attention by the authorities.

However, local people have taken the initiative to save the forest. It was because of the local people’s effort that the forest could regain its greenery. But, illegal encroachment has remained a major concern for the forest department here.

“Because of the encroachment, the area of reserve forest is shrinking day by day. However, the forest department finally conducted a survey on encroachment. They will now come to know about the extent of encroachment in the reserve forest and take proper step to protect the beautiful place,” said local resident Jagyan Narayana Prahan.

Sources said the encroachment on the forest began in the late seventies when a few people built thatched houses. Gradually, it had taken the shape of a slum, which later expanded. As time passed by, the thatched houses were converted into houses with asbestos and cemented roof. Several government offices also came up in the forest.”

“The encroachment of the reserve forest is a threat to its ecosystem. The forest department should initiate steps to evict the encroachers from there. The place should be protected from illegal encroachment,” said a visitor to the Budharaja temple, Paresh Pradhan.

In 1991, the forest department had initiated steps to evict the squatters, but failed.