A commercial complex under construction in K-7 area of Kalinga Vihar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, June 15: As the capital is expanding from all sides, Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has taken up the initiative to develop infrastructure in the Kalinga Vihar area on a massive scale.

While there was already a visible growth of trees along the roads in the K-7 area, the recent developments there include construction of a commercial complex and a kalyan mandap. The entire housing zone in Kalinga Vihar has been divided into nine blocks, from K-1 to K-9.

According to the engineering wing of the BDA, while the commercial complex would house 56 shops and three office spaces, the kalyan mandap would include two spacious community halls with all modern amenities.

While the commercial complex will cost BDA Rs 3.45 crore, the kalyan mandap will cost Rs 2 crore.

Apart from this, the BDA has started building a one-way black-top road near the new plantation sites of K-7 to facilitate the road networks for the upcoming housing projects under the public-private-partnership schemes. The new road will connect the major Master Plan Road of Kalinga Vihar with the other end of K-7.

The median of the road will also provide adequate scope for plantation so that the area wears a green look. Last year, the city forest division had started a plantation programme in 24.22 hectares in Shankarpur. This year, it plans to add another 14 hectares in the same locality coming under K-7.

“We have already planted an oilseed producing plant called ‘Bitter wood’ (Simarouba glauca) along the lanes and major roads in the area. The interesting part of the species is that cattle do not eat it and it can also withstand harsh environmental conditions. So, within a few years, the entire K-7 area will be a green belt of the city,’’ said BDA chief horticulturist A.N. Dhar.

A professor and resident of Kalinga Nagar (K-6) area, B.C. Rath said: “Even after so much initiatives, many plots in the K-7 area are still lying vacant without any construction. The BDA authorities should identify these plots and take necessary steps.’’

Reacting to this, a senior BDA official, however, added that notices were already issued to the allottees of plots. Some allottees have already started construction of their houses in the area.