Odisha to Extend Town Planning Scheme to Sambalpur and Rourkela to Boost Urban Growth
The Odisha government is taking a significant step towards the planned urban development of its key cities. The state’s Housing and Urban Development Minister, Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, announced the extension of the town planning scheme, currently operational in Bhubaneswar, to other important cities in the state—Sambalpur and Rourkela. This move is expected to usher in a new era of urban growth, with a focus on modern infrastructure and improved living conditions for residents.
The town planning scheme in Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s capital, has been a successful model of urban development. Under this scheme, landowners voluntarily transfer their land to the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA). In exchange, the BDA redevelops the land, including the provision of essential infrastructure such as roads, sewerage, drainage systems, and green spaces. Once redevelopment is completed, 60% of the land is returned to the original owners, who can then utilise it for commercial or residential purposes. This innovative approach has not only improved the infrastructure of Bhubaneswar but has also set a precedent for planned urbanisation in Odisha. The scheme ensures that developments are well-integrated with proper amenities and services, enhancing the quality of life for the people living in these areas.
Following its success in Bhubaneswar, the Odisha government now aims to replicate the town planning scheme in other major cities, including Sambalpur and Rourkela. Both cities are seeing rapid growth due to industrial development, and the extension of this scheme is seen as a way to ensure that their urbanisation remains organised and sustainable. Minister Mahapatra held a high-level meeting on Monday with various development authorities to discuss the plan and other crucial urban development topics. During the meeting, it was confirmed that the extension of the town planning scheme to Sambalpur and Rourkela would be a key priority.
One of the goals is to increase the proportion of planned urban areas in Odisha from the current 17% to 30% by 2036. This ambitious target aims to foster the creation of new cities while revitalising existing urban spaces, making them more livable and well-equipped to handle the challenges of rapid urbanisation. In the same meeting, officials discussed the ongoing challenges in the urban development sector, particularly in Bhubaneswar. The registration of apartments and bottlenecks in plot registrations were highlighted as key issues affecting the smooth flow of urban growth. These challenges are slowing down the overall progress of urban development, making it more difficult for residents to access necessary services and for businesses to thrive.
Mahapatra emphasised the need for streamlining these processes, ensuring that the expansion of planned townships is not hindered by administrative delays. He also noted that urbanisation in Odisha should focus on creating better living conditions for all, including enhancing public infrastructure and the availability of affordable housing. The extension of the town planning scheme to Sambalpur and Rourkela marks an important milestone in the state’s long-term urban development strategy. By focusing on creating well-planned townships, Odisha hopes to provide its citizens with a better quality of life, ease traffic congestion, improve sanitation and waste management, and promote sustainable urban growth.
The proposed developments will also include upgrading infrastructure to support economic growth, with new commercial hubs, better roads, and improved public transport. This holistic approach to urban planning is expected to make Odisha’s cities more attractive places to live, work, and invest in. The Odisha government’s decision to extend its town planning scheme to Sambalpur and Rourkela is a significant step in shaping the future of urban development in the state. With a focus on sustainable growth, efficient infrastructure, and improved living standards, the initiative promises to transform these cities into modern urban centres that can accommodate the state’s expanding population. As the project moves forward, it will not only set new benchmarks for urbanisation in Odisha but also serve as a model for other states aiming to improve their urban landscapes.
