BHUBANESHWAR, Jan 3: The declaration of Puri as a metropolitan city is set to bring comprehensive, planned urban development to the temple town and its surrounding areas, said State Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, the Minister said the Puri Metropolitan Region will encompass adjoining areas, where a detailed Town Planning (TP) scheme will be implemented to ensure systematic and sustainable urban growth.
The plan includes the development of multipurpose market complexes, parks, open spaces, and adequate parking facilities.
Mahapatra highlighted that the BJP government has honored its commitment to strengthening urban governance by creating 28 new Notified Area Councils (NACs), seven municipalities, and one metropolitan city since assuming office.
He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Panchayati Raj Minister Ravi Nayak for their leadership in advancing the urban development agenda.
Each of the 28 new NACs has been allocated Rs. 50 lakh for roads, sanitation, and basic civic amenities, while Rs. 6 crore will be provided for constructing office buildings based on a model Detailed Project Report (DPR). Similar provisions have been made for the seven newly constituted municipalities.
Emphasizing the government’s special focus on Puri, the Minister noted that following its upgradation to a Municipal Corporation, Rs. 2 crore has been sanctioned for sanitation and drainage works, and Rs. 1 crore for street lighting.
“Puri is our identity. The State Government will ensure there is no shortage of funds for its development,” he added.
The government has also sought public opinion from residents of 26 revenue villages under seven gram panchayats for the proposed expansion of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), and from 34 revenue villages under 12 gram panchayats for the Berhampur Municipal Corporation. Expansion will proceed only after residents’ consent.
Mahapatra further stated that, with the census process scheduled for this year, the formation of new NACs, municipalities, and municipal corporations was announced before December 31.
He added that urban reorganization is ongoing, and the government will consider all genuine demands that may arise in the future. (UNI)
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