Paradip, Oct. 5: Urban infrastructure projects have failed to take off in Paradip port township because of non-availability of required land.

However, funds are available for executing the projects.

A sizeable part of the municipality comes under administrative control of the Paradip Port Trust. According to the Major Ports Act of India, any form of construction of development activity is barred till the major port approves the projects.

With the port trust dragging its feet, projects such as solid waste management system, slum cluster development, resettlement of unauthorised settlers and streamlining of drinking water system have failed to make much headway over the years.

The port township was declared as a Notified Area Council in 1979. Later, the fast-growing industrial hub was elevated to a municipality in 2002.

“The port administration has its own system for maintenance of road, drainage, sewerage, drinking water supply and electricity. Besides, it is also shouldering the responsibility of restoring civic amenities in the civil township areas. With the port trust holding sway in all respects, the municipality’s role in urban development has been insignificant,” said the Paradip Municipality’s vice-chairman Basanta Kumar Biswal.

“Availability of land is the major constraint for execution of the infrastructure development project in Paradip. The World Bank-funded solid waste management system is yet to be launched because of land problem. After long wait, a patch has been earmarked with the port trust’s consent. We are hopeful of the launch of the project shortly,” said additional district magistrate Surajit Das.