Bhubaneswar, May 30: Around 200 houses in Chunukoli village are set to be demolished on Saturday to facilitate the completion of the remaining stretch of the left-side parallel road project. The Public Works Department (PWD) and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation have planned the eviction drive to clear encroachments on government land and pave the way for road construction.

Before the demolition, eligible beneficiaries will be relocated to housing units at Buddhabihar. Authorities have already distributed allotment letters to many affected families, while the remaining beneficiaries will receive them on Saturday. The BMC has also made special arrangements for shifting residents and their belongings.

The parallel road connecting ORS Chhak to Chandaka has remained incomplete near Chunukoli village, with only about one kilometre of work pending. The project had been stalled for a long time due to opposition from local residents.

Officials said the road work was delayed because of nearly 200 houses built on government land and six private plots falling along the proposed alignment. Villagers had demanded a change in the road design to avoid displacement, but the government decided to proceed with the original plan. Following the demolition of the encroaching structures, the administration will also initiate the acquisition of the affected private land to complete the project.