Paradip: The local civic body has initiated measures to rehabilitate slum-dwellers. Their enumeration has got underway. The identified dwellers will be allotted plots on the earmarked patches of the port town. There will be construction of affordable houses for the slum-dwellers on cost-sharing basis between the government and the beneficiaries, said an official of Paradip Municipality.

As per the 2011 Census, Paradip town had 25 unauthorised slum colonies comprising 17,411 shanties. However, those who have been living here at least for a decade and have enrolled themselves in electoral voters' list will merit consideration for rehabilitation, added the official.

"A comprehensive development of the port town can only take place when it's made slum-free. The environment and sanitation of the place must have to be protected it is steadily emerging as a bustling industrial hub. The Paradip Development Authority has been directed to protect government land in the area from encroachment," said Jagatsinghpur collector Yamini Sadanagi.

Paradip has all the potential to turn into a model city with its bustling industrial activities. Several industries are lined up for commissioning in Paradip and its adjoining areas. It will create massive employment opportunities for local people. Infrastructure development of the port town is an urgent necessity keeping in view the surge in industrial activities, said an official.

Construction of housing schemes on public-private partnership, vendor markets, neighbourhood shopping centres, public parking lots, various other public utilities and affordable housing projects are on the agenda to develop Paradip's urban characteristics.

The areas for chosen for development are at Sandhakuda, Chunabelari, Nuagada and Pankapala where slum settlements have sprouted.