Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced a special package of Rs 560 crore for comprehensive infrastructure development in 28 newly formed Notified Area Councils (NACs), with each NAC set to receive Rs 20 crore for improving basic civic amenities and creating modern urban infrastructure.
The package will fund a range of development works, including roads, drainage systems, municipal office buildings, model market complexes, urban haats, parks, sanitation facilities, street lighting and waterbody beautification.
According to the official release, Rs 6.40 crore has been earmarked for a municipal office building in each NAC, while Rs 3 crore each has been allocated for roads and drains and parks and open spaces. Each NAC will also receive Rs 2 crore for a model market complex and Rs 1 crore for a model urban haat.
The package also includes Rs 60 lakh for crematoriums, Rs 50 lakh for EV charging stations, Rs 50 lakh for kanjia huda and stray animal welfare infrastructure, Rs 1 crore for waterbody development and beautification, Rs 1 crore for street lighting and Rs 1 crore for sanitation infrastructure.
The government said improved roads and drainage networks would facilitate transportation and help reduce waterlogging, while model markets and urban haats would provide an organised business environment for local traders and small vendors.
Similarly, parks, open spaces, community toilets, better street lighting and improved sanitation facilities are expected to make the newly formed urban areas cleaner, safer and more liveable.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the development of the newly formed NACs was a priority for the government and that the initiative was aimed at providing quality civic amenities rather than merely expanding administrative boundaries.
“Through this special development package, essential infrastructure will be created in every new NAC. By giving importance to roads, drainage, sanitation, haats, parks, lighting and other civic amenities, these urban areas will be made beautiful, clean and well-facilitated,” Mahapatra said.
Meanwhile, the foundation stone laying and inauguration of 593 projects involving an investment of Rs 323 crore have been undertaken for 62 municipal areas under the Chief Minister Urban Development Scheme.
Of these, 423 projects worth Rs 102 crore are scheduled to be inaugurated, while the foundation stones of 170 projects worth Rs 221 crore have been laid.
The state government said the special package for the 28 new NACs would help establish a strong foundation for their future development and contribute towards its vision of building inclusive, organised and modern urban areas under the broader goal of ‘Viksit Odisha–2036’.
