In a significant revelation about urban development in Odisha's capital, it has been disclosed that the state's premier housing bodies have provided homes and land to more than 1,600 beneficiaries over the last three decades. The information was presented in the state assembly by Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, in response to a query from legislator Manorama Mohanty.
Detailed Breakdown of Allotments
The Odisha State Housing Board (OSHB) has been a major player, allotting a total of 692 plots and houses under two key schemes. A significant portion of this, comprising 460 units for Middle Income Group (MIG) and High Income Group (HIG) categories, was distributed under the Satyasai Enclave scheme located in Mouza Aiginia. Furthermore, the board allotted 232 HIG units under its Dharma Vihar scheme in Mouza Jagamara.
Meanwhile, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has undertaken substantial housing initiatives across multiple projects. Their contributions alone exceed 650 units, not including shares from joint venture partners. Key BDA allotments include:
- Pokhariput Housing Scheme: 67 MIG houses, 72 HIG (single) houses, and 30 HIG (duplex) houses.
- Ananta Housing Scheme Phase-II: 160 MIG houses, 63 HIG duplex units, and 13 plots.
- Ananta Housing Scheme Phase-III: 100 MIG houses and 39 Low Income Group (LIG) houses.
Joint Ventures and Upcoming Projects
The development narrative also includes successful public-private partnerships. In the Lingaraj Vihar joint venture housing scheme at Mouza Bhimpur, a total of 429 houses were allotted. Of these, the BDA allotted 108 units, while private partner Keshari Estate Pvt Ltd allotted 321 houses.
The housing momentum in Bhubaneswar is set to continue with several upcoming projects. The OSHB is currently executing a new plotting scheme in Jagannath Prasad, which will comprise 166 plots of various sizes. Although there have been delays in developing the site, officials confirm that a significant number of people will benefit once the plots are handed over.
On an even larger scale, the BDA is working on its most ambitious project to date: Ekamra Residency in Subuddhipur. This massive housing project is slated to comprise over 700 units, addressing the growing demand for organized housing in the city. Additionally, the BDA is expected to announce a new plotting scheme in Bhubaneswar in the near future.
A Legacy of Urban Housing Development
The collective efforts of the OSHB and BDA, spanning over thirty years, highlight a sustained commitment to planned urban development and housing for various income groups in Odisha's capital. From MIG and HIG units to LIG allocations, the schemes have aimed to cater to a broad demographic. The data presented in the assembly not only accounts for past achievements but also maps out a future where large-scale projects like Ekamra Residency will further transform Bhubaneswar's residential landscape, offering hope and concrete solutions to the city's housing needs.
