SAMBALPUR: Additional chief secretary of Housing and Urban Development department Usha Padhee on Thursday carried out an extensive review of key infrastructure and public welfare projects besides holding discussions on the city’s future expansion and planning.
During her visit to Sambalpur, Padhee held detailed discussion on a proposed new Sambalpur city plan over 800 acres, aimed at accommodating future urban growth. The discussion also focused on plans to develop around 2,000 affordable housing units at Pardhiapali and Thelkopada for the economically weaker sections.
Padhee reviewed proposals related to fund allocation for construction of a new bus terminal in Sambalpur and the first phase of the drainage master plan, estimated at Rs 38 crore, which is currently under tendering process. The second phase, with an estimated cost of Rs 163 crore, has been sent for government approval.
In addition, proposals for establishing a centralised waste processing plant to streamline solid waste management in the city and construction of a large market complex at Budharaja were also discussed.
Padhee held a separate review with consultants regarding the proposed Sambalpur-Bargarh-Jharsuguda economic corridor, underlining its potential to accelerate regional industrial and economic growth.
Earlier in the day, she inspected major ongoing projects including the Jamadarpali intake point and Tipupada water treatment plant executed by WATCO. She also reviewed the restoration work of Modipada tank undertaken by the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC).
Later, she inspected the IDCO industrial estate at Bareipali-Panchgachhia and reviewed the status of MSME units. She stressed the need for revival and modernisation of long-defunct industries to enhance productivity.
Following her field visits, the additional CS chaired a review meeting at the SMC office in the afternoon. Key urban governance issues such as sanitation, street lighting, municipal revenue collection, public grievance redressal, storm water drainage, and implementation of programmes like iGOT Karmayogi were discussed. Progress of projects being implemented by WATCO and the sewerage board was also reviewed.
Among others, Sambalpur collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar, WATCO MD Debabrata Mohanty, SMC commissioner Rehan Khatri and other senior officials were present.