Sambalpur, April 5: Sambalpur Development Authority today exhibited the draft comprehensive development plan for Greater Sambalpur, which has been prepared keeping in mind the projected population of the city by 2030.

The Gujarat Industrial and Technical Consultancy (Gitco), which was entrusted with the preparation of the comprehensive development plan, put it on display for the public today. Gitco officials had made a presentation before district officials yesterday.

Today, public representatives, educationists and senior citizens of the city participated in the workshop during which the plan for Greater Sambalpur was displayed.

By 2030, the population of Greater Sambalpur has been projected at 5.75 lakh and the comprehensive development plan has been prepared keeping in mind the projected population.

The draft comprehensive development plan includes a satellite town on the outskirts of the city, development of roads, flyovers and parking spaces, commercial centres, slum development and rehabilitation projects, infrastructure for small and medium scale industries, infrastructure for health and educational institutions, recreational centres, festival grounds, sports grounds and a botanical garden. Besides, extension of the existing bus terminus, establishment of a truck terminus, development of a socio-economic centre, development of Lapanga as a commercial centre, shopping centres, cultural centre and art gallery, environment complex, regional park, sewage disposal system, pitching of water channels, streamlining of major drains in the city have also been envisaged in the comprehensive development plan.

Planning advisor of Gitco D.G. Pandyan said Sambalpur, along with Hirakud and Burla Notified Area Council and 67 adjoining villages of Rengali, Dhankauda and Maneswar blocks of Sambalpur district, had been included in the plan

“Among the 67 villages, 10 villages have been identified as central villages. The 10 villages will support the population of the surrounding villages engaged in agricultural activities. The central villages will provide agricultural seeds and grain storage depots, tractor and agricultural production facilities and marketing of grains,” said Pandyan.

“A multi-nuclei concept has been adopted while preparing the comprehensive development plan. The workshop has been organised to display the proposed plan for Greater Sambalpur and invite suggestions from people. The suggestions of the residents will be taken into consideration and incorporated in the draft plan,” he said.

“The plan will be a guideline for future development of the area,” said chairman of Sambalpur Development Agency Bijaya Kumar Mohanty.