Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday reviewed the proposed Cuttack River Front Development Project at Lok Seva Bhawan, directing officials to fast-track preliminary processes and commence work on priority.
The ambitious project envisages development of 426 acres of land along the banks of the Mahanadi River in Cuttack at an estimated cost of ₹210 crore. As per guidelines of the National Green Tribunal, 284 acres will be developed as a green belt, while the remaining 142 acres will be utilised for tourism and transport-related infrastructure.
According to the official plan, the riverfront will feature an Odisha Haat, a heritage village, picnic areas, an interpretation centre, food courts, landscaped lawns and gardens, and beautification of water bodies along the riverbank. All construction activities will adhere strictly to environmental norms prescribed by the tribunal.
Emphasising the need to position the project as a nationally attractive tourist destination, the Chief Minister directed officials to study the design and implementation of the Sabarmati Riverfront model in Gujarat.
Majhi also called for the aesthetic enhancement of riverbank protection works being undertaken by the Water Resources Department, noting that such efforts would serve the dual purpose of safeguarding the riverbank and boosting tourism appeal.
He further proposed that the second phase of the project should include beautification of the Dhabaleswar Temple surroundings and development of the approach road near the National Law University Odisha. To enhance visitor experience, he suggested introducing cruise operations on the Mahanadi river.
The Chief Minister assured that additional funds would be provided, if required, to ensure comprehensive beautification and timely execution of the project.
The review meeting was attended by Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswata Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of Water Resources Department Shubha Sharma, Principal Secretary of Finance Department Sanjib Mishra, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua, and Cuttack Municipal Corporation Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur, among others.
