The declaration of Puri as a metropolitan city will lead to large-scale, planned urban development in the temple town and its surrounding areas, according to State Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, who spoke at a press conference on Friday.
Dr Mahapatra explained that the Puri Metropolitan Region will encompass adjacent areas where a comprehensive Town Planning (TP) Scheme will be implemented to ensure systematic and sustainable urban growth. As part of this integrated plan, multipurpose market complexes, parks, open spaces, and sufficient parking facilities will be developed.
He mentioned that since the BJP government took office in the state, it has fulfilled its commitment to enhance urban governance by establishing 28 new Notified Area Councils (NACs), seven municipalities, and one metropolitan city. Dr Mahapatra expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi and Panchayati Raj Minister Shri Ravi Nayak for their leadership and support in advancing the urban development agenda.
The Minister informed that Block Development Officers (BDOs) have been given temporary administrative responsibility for the 28 newly created NACs, and Executive Officers will be appointed soon. Each new NAC has been allocated ₹50 lakh for the development of roads, sanitation, and basic civic amenities. The State Government will also provide ₹6 crore for the construction of office buildings for each NAC, for which a model Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared. Similar financial provisions have been made for the seven new municipalities.
Highlighting the government’s special focus on Puri, Dr Mahapatra noted that following its upgrade to a Municipal Corporation, ₹2 crore has been approved for sanitation and drainage works, and ₹1 crore has been allocated for street lighting. “Puri is our identity. The State Government will ensure that there is no shortage of funds for its development,” he asserted.
Furthermore, the Minister stated that public input has been solicited from residents of 26 revenue villages within seven gram panchayats regarding the proposed expansion of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). The expansion process will proceed once their consent is obtained. Similarly, opinions from 34 revenue villages under 12 gram panchayats have been gathered for the proposed expansion of the Berhampur Municipal Corporation.
Dr Mahapatra added that with the census process set to begin this year, the State Government has announced the formation of new NACs, municipalities, and municipal corporations before December 31. He remarked that urban reorganisation is an ongoing process, and the government will consider all genuine and relevant demands that may arise in the future.
