Keonjhar: The state government will be spending Rs 913 crore to develop Joda and Barbil areas in the district as model townships.

Both the urban pockets are currently bearing the burnt of environment pollution as ore-laden trucks and lorries ply round-the-clock in the town. These urban spots are among the worst-polluted urbanised places in the state.

Many local residents here are suffering from respiratory ailments and their number is increasing everyday. Dust particles from transportation of raw material form a layer enveloping the skyline.

Ore transportation has become a major source of pollution in these areas. The plants and species of the townships wear a grey look due to the pollution.

Joda and Barbil regions are considered as country's largest iron ore producing areas. These regions are home to 26 iron ore mines with Joda having 21 of them. Besides these mineral-rich belts also house manganese mines.

Everyday, more than 7,000 ore-laden trucks ply through the towns from the mineral-rich hinterlands to railway sidings - Paradip and Dhamra ports.

It was decided at a high-level meeting convened recently in Bhubaneswar that Rs 913 crore would be spent from the District Mineral Funds for all round development of two townships.

A steering committee is being constituted at district level and working committee at urban local body level for the planning, implementation and monitoring of the projects at ground level, said a senior official of the district administration.

The blueprint of the townships will mainly focus on improved living environment, equitable and sustainable infrastructure, economic diversification and harmony between culture and nature.

Step will be taken for environment control mechanism and urban development.

The goals of the development project are road dust control, railway siding dust control, air quality monitoring, water quality improvement, creation of green spaces, promotion of non-motorised transport modes such as e-rickshaws, improving road condition, enhancing public safety and security, welfare of elderly, women and disabled, enhanced urban infrastructure and improving livelihood opportunities, said an official.