Demolition of quarters at MLA Colony in front of the State Assembly was deferred as several legislators are yet to vacate their houses.
The demolition process had begun by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) earlier on Wednesday with bulldozing of a few quarters into ground. Later, it was put on hold for an indefinite period reportedly due to absence of some MLAs in the headquarters.
Sources said that as many as 23 MLAs are yet to vacate their quarters allotted to them at MLA Colony.
On Tuesday, Assembly Speaker SN Patro had given his nod for demolition of 42 MLA quarters in the first phase.
As per the plan, a few portions of MLA Colony would be demolished and 7R quarters would be constructed in the area for 140 MLAs. A multistoried building would come up at an expenditure of Rs 400 crore.
The new quarters would be constructed in the model of DS quarters (double-storied building) built at MLA Colony near the Unit-4 market area. The quarters would have elevators and lobbies. The area would be renovated having parks, cafeterias, a swimming pool and a gym centre. Besides, a special room, a conference hall and a guesthouse would be built for people visiting the MLAs at their official residences.
Notably, several Government quarters at MLA Colony have been occupied by former legislators, including former Ministers. Due to less availability of vacant quarters, the newly-elected MLAs are yet to get accommodations.
