Balasore: Tension prevailed in parts of Nilagiri subdivision in Odisha’s Balasore district on Tuesday as the administration launched a drive to demolish 13 illegal brick kilns operating in an eco-sensitive zone.

The demolition drive was launched in compliance with an order of the High Court. However, the action triggered protests by workers engaged at the brick kilns, with several demanding that the administration provide them with alternative employment before taking down the units.

According to reports, the administration first reached a brick kiln at Dasarathipur. Workers opposed the demolition and blocked the road to prevent the authorities from proceeding with the operation.

Police then removed the protesters from the spot.

The demolition team later reached the brick kiln near Panchalingeswar and partially demolished the structure. The administration also faced strong opposition while attempting to demolish the brick kiln.

The 13 brick kilns identified for demolition are located in the eco-sensitive zone covering Shyamsundarpur, Kandagaradi and Iswarpur panchayats under Oupada block.

The operation was carried out under the direction of the Balasore district administration, with senior officials and a large police contingent deployed to maintain law and order.

Six platoons of police personnel were deployed during the operation.

Nilagiri Sub-Collector Subhashree Rath said the administration would demolish all 13 illegal brick kilns one by one in accordance with the High Court's order.

On the other hand, some of the protesters alleged that they were thrashed by the police while being removed from the spot.