Bhubaneswar: Basti Suraksha Manch, an outfit working for slum dwellers’ rights, submitted a memorandum to urban development minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra here on Friday, demanding land rights for slum residents, an immediate stop to forced evictions and rehabilitation based on legal entitlements rather than relocation to multi-storey apartments.A seven-member delegation led by forum president Hena and general secretary Pramila Behera met the minister and discussed the demands. Several slum residents gathered outside the minister’s residence in support. The forum demanded that slum residents in municipal councils and notified area councils be granted land rights under Odisha Land Rights Act, 2017. It sought stronger legal protection under Schedule 21 of the Odisha Municipal Corporation Act for residents living in municipal corporation areas.The organisation called for a complete halt to forced evictions, saying no slum resident should be displaced without due legal process, determination of rights and prior rehabilitation. It demanded an immediate survey of all uncovered slums.The organisation said any displacement must be preceded by dignified rehabilitation with suitable land and, wherever required, housing near residents’ workplaces to protect their livelihoods. It opposed the unilateral implementation of schemes like Sahayog Plus as alternatives to legal land entitlements, saying welfare schemes should not replace statutory rights.The memorandum raised concerns over Narayani Basti’s Bachelor Barrack in Bhubaneswar, alleging that Dalit residents’ land rights should not be violated for the construction of Pramod Udyan. It further demanded a transparent survey, determination of rights and rehabilitation for families likely to be affected by Daya West Canal project.The forum sought basic amenities, like drinking water, roads, drainage and electricity, in slum settlements. It urged the govt to consult organisations working for slum dwellers before framing policies or undertaking projects affecting them. It demanded that 10% of land in newly included urban areas be reserved under the ODA Act for socially and economically weaker families.Basti Suraksha Manch urged the govt to convene a high-level meeting and announce a clear action plan. It said it was not opposed to development but objected to poor, Dalit and unorganised worker families being made homeless through bulldozer-driven evictions. “Let development happen, but not by sacrificing the housing rights of workers. Let parks be built, but not by ignoring the land rights of Dalits. Slum residents should be given rights, not sympathy,” Pramila said. The minister received the memorandum and assured the delegation that he would look into the matter.