Puri Declared Metropolitan City, Set for Major Urban Transformation: Minister

Bhubaneswar, Jan 3 : The declaration of Puri as a metropolitan city will usher in comprehensive and planned urban development across the temple town and its surrounding areas, State Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference, the Minister said the newly proposed Puri Metropolitan Region will include adjoining areas where a detailed Town Planning (TP) scheme will be implemented to ensure systematic and sustainable urban growth. The development plan envisages multipurpose market complexes, parks, open spaces and adequate parking facilities.

Mahapatra said the BJP government has fulfilled its commitment to strengthening urban governance by creating 28 new Notified Area Councils (NACs), seven municipalities and one metropolitan city since coming to power. He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Panchayati Raj Minister Ravi Nayak for their leadership in advancing the state’s urban development agenda.

Each of the 28 newly created NACs has been provided Rs 50 lakh for roads, sanitation and basic civic amenities, while Rs 6 crore will be allocated for the construction of office buildings as per a model Detailed Project Report (DPR). Similar financial provisions have been made for the seven new municipalities.

Highlighting the government’s special focus on Puri, the Minister said that after its upgradation to a Municipal Corporation, Rs 2 crore has been sanctioned for sanitation and drainage works and Rs 1 crore for street lighting. “Puri is our identity, and the State Government will ensure there is no shortage of funds for its development,” he said.

Mahapatra also informed that public opinion has been sought from residents of 26 revenue villages under seven gram panchayats regarding the proposed expansion of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, and from 34 revenue villages under 12 gram panchayats for the expansion of the Berhampur Municipal Corporation. He clarified that expansion will be undertaken only with the consent of the residents.

With the census process scheduled this year, the Minister said the formation of new NACs, municipalities and municipal corporations was announced before December 31. He added that urban reorganisation is an ongoing process and the government will consider all genuine demands that may arise in the future.