TNI Bureau: The Odisha government has begun a high-level review of the security barricading near Naveen Niwas on Old Airport Road after the Orissa High Court reportedly raised strong concerns over delays in addressing allegations of public road encroachment linked to the residence of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

The issue has surfaced in connection with a writ petition filed before the High Court, where petitioner Prakash Chandra Das sought removal of structures allegedly obstructing a public road in the area. The case names multiple government departments along with BJD president Naveen Patnaik among the parties involved.

During earlier proceedings, the court is understood to have directed state authorities to carry out a joint field inspection and determine whether any public land or road had been occupied. The court also reportedly cautioned officials against further delay in implementing necessary action if irregularities were established.

Following the directive, officials from several departments, including GA&PG, Works, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Bhubaneswar Development Authority, local revenue administration and Commissionerate Police, conducted a joint verification exercise in February.
According to findings submitted during the process, portions of government land recorded as road area were found within the iron barricaded zone installed in front of Naveen Niwas.

Authorities noted that the barricades had originally been erected as part of enhanced security arrangements during Naveen Patnaik’s tenure as Chief Minister.

The report, however, clarified that public movement on the remaining stretch of the road has continued through an alternative diversion route developed earlier for traffic management and security purposes.

Amid growing legal and political attention over the matter, the Works Department has now sought fresh opinions from the Home Department, Commissionerate Police and Traffic Police regarding the feasibility of relocating or modifying the barricade without compromising security requirements.

Official records examined during the inquiry reportedly classify the disputed land as “Sadak” (road), and planning documents of the city also identify it as part of the public road network.

The development has sparked considerable discussion in political circles, as the case directly concerns the security setup surrounding the residence of the Leader of Opposition. With the High Court closely monitoring the matter, multiple government agencies are now engaged in evaluating the next course of action.