Bhubaneswar: On revamp mode

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 27: The state government is ready with a comprehensive development plan for Bhubaneswar and its neighbouring towns that will cater to the needs of 30 lakh people by 2030.

Objections from the public and stakeholders have been invited by the government to the draft plan prepared by IIT, Kharagpur, and presented to the government, said urban development minister K.V. Singhdeo.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik today chaired a meeting to review the operation of the comprehensive plan, in which thrust has been laid on development of basic infrastructure and rendering of improved civic amenities to a projected population of 30 lakh expected to reach by 2030.

Allocation of funds would be made from the next fiscal for the implementation of the comprehensive development plan, sources said. The importance of Bhubaneswar has been on the rise as it is emerging as major IT hub in the country besides being a prominent tourist spot and the state capital.

The city has been divided into four zones for planned development — extensive, intensive, sensitive and restrictive. It has been estimated that around 4.4 lakh houses would be needed for 30 lakh population by 2030 (at present, there are nearly 2 lakh houses). Besides, the requirement of drinking water would be an estimated 88 million gallons per day.

Various related departments, including rapid mass transit system, improvement of roads, construction of parking space and open space to cater to the burgeoning population, have been planned.

The other major aspect discussed at today’s meeting was solid waste management, sewerage system and waste water disposal.

As Bhubaneswar is famous for its heritage, emphasis has been laid on the plan on preservation of ancient monuments and sacred ponds keeping the tourism potential in view.

Slums in the city would be resettled on public-private partnership mode, the sources said.

The meeting also decided that a land-use policy would be formulated and land would be identified for domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural and institutional use, besides development of green zones.