PPT to evict retired occupants from quarters

The Paradip Port Trust (PPT) has served eviction notices to 300 persons who have been occupying its quarters illegally  for a long time even after their retirement.

This apart, PPT officials have decided to demolish 170 residential quarters as engineers of the Works Department have declared these as unsafe structures.

In 1962, PPT authorities had constructed residential quarters for the Port officials and its employees. At present, there are 5,200 quarters of which, PPT officials are staying in 2,800 quarters. The remaining 2,400 quarters have been allocated to stevedores, transporting agencies, bank and mining officials, trade union leaders and members of agencies associated with port activities.

As per the norms, employees should hand over their quarters after four months of retirement, but many of them have occupied them for the last 20 years. These quarters are yet to be handed over to the PPT and the occupants have subleased them.

Sources said the retired employees and port users who have occupied these quarters are earning Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 a month by sub-letting these houses.

Although, PPT had in the past served eviction notices to illegal occupants to hand over these quarters, none of them has done it. Official sources said a drive will be undertaken from Monday to evict these illegal occupants and also demolish the 170 unsafe quarters.

PPT Estate Officer K Thirumoolar said police help would be taken for the eviction drive to avoid any untoward situation.