The Bhubaneswar Development Authority has taken concrete steps to implement Town Planning Scheme number 8. This important initiative falls under zone 1 and covers a substantial area of 560.81 acres. The land spans across the Andharua and Daspur mouzas.
A Strategic Move for Systematic Growth
This action forms a key part of the BDA's broader strategy. The authority aims to ensure systematic urban development across Bhubaneswar. Crucially, the plan does not rely on compulsory land acquisition for the proposed inner ring road within the TP zone. Officials state that avoiding forced acquisition helps prevent common delays and lengthy legal disputes.
Selecting an Agency for Detailed Work
According to a recently floated tender, the BDA decided to select a specialized agency. This agency will carry out a comprehensive survey of the entire area. Their responsibilities include demarcating the scheme boundaries, roads, and individual plots. They must also install permanent pillars at all designated points.
The chosen firm has additional critical tasks. They will prepare detailed layout maps and provide all digital output in modern GIS formats. The agency must submit weekly progress reports. These reports require geo-tagged photographs and precise coordinates. The BDA set a strict deadline, demanding the entire exercise be completed within four months.
Part of a Larger Vision for Bhubaneswar
The BDA planned a total of 45 Town Planning Schemes. These schemes spread across 58 revenue villages, organized into four distinct zones. This large-scale planning directly addresses Bhubaneswar's rapid urban expansion. The schemes aim to integrate essential infrastructure and public amenities. A core goal is ensuring equitable land distribution for all stakeholders.
Work is already underway on some schemes. Town Planning Scheme numbers 1 and 2 in the Tamando and Patrapada areas are currently in implementation. These projects focus on creating well-laid road networks. They also earmark specific plots for future residential and commercial use.
Similarly, Town Planning Scheme numbers 5 and 6 in the Chandaka area have reached advanced stages. Officials confirm this progress paves the way for planned development. These areas are near upcoming IT hubs and institutional centers, making the planning vital.
The TPS Model: A Cost-Effective Alternative
Official sources highlight the benefits of the Town Planning Scheme model. They describe it as a cost-effective alternative to compulsory land acquisition. Under this model, landowners receive reconstituted plots. These new plots come with better road access and improved infrastructure, increasing their value.
A senior BDA official explained the advantage clearly. "This approach significantly reduces litigation," the official stated. "It also accelerates the overall pace of development in the city."
Details of Town Planning Scheme No. 8
For the newly launched Scheme number 8, the proposed road network is extensive. It spans a total of 39.32 kilometers. This network includes wide arterial roads of 60-meter and 30-meter widths. It also incorporates smaller roads ranging from 9 meters to 22 meters in width.
The selected agency has a technical duty as well. They must fix permanent benchmarks throughout the area. Furthermore, they are required to submit all geo-tagged data. This step ensures complete transparency throughout the planning and execution process.
Planning for a Growing City
Bhubaneswar's population continues to rise. Projections indicate it will cross 20 lakh residents by the year 2030. Given this growth, officials firmly believe the Town Planning Schemes will play a critical role. They are essential for shaping the city's future development in an orderly manner.
"We are not just building roads and plots," the senior official added. "We are creating a robust framework for sustainable urban development that will serve generations to come."
Expanding the Model to Other Cities
Looking at the initial success of these schemes in Bhubaneswar, the state government plans to replicate the model. Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra made a significant announcement. He confirmed the implementation of similar Town Planning Schemes in other major Odisha cities. Berhampur and Sambalpur are next in line for this planned development approach.
