Finance
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the proposed Cuttack River Front Development Project at Lok Seva Bhawan, asking officials to expedite preliminary processes and begin construction immediately.
The ambitious project aims to develop 426 acres of land along the Mahanadi River in Cuttack for an estimated cost of ₹210 crore. According to the National Green Tribunal’s standards, 284 acres will be developed as a green belt, with the remaining 142 acres designated for tourist and transportation facilities.
According to the official proposal, the riverside will include an Odisha Haat, a heritage village, picnic spots, an interpretation center, food courts, landscaped lawns and gardens, and the enhancement of water bodies along the riverbank. All construction activities will adhere strictly to environmental norms prescribed by the tribunal.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of positioning the project as a nationally appealing tourism attraction and asked officials to research the design and implementation of the Sabarmati Riverfront model in Gujarat.
Majhi also advocated for the aesthetic upgrading of riverbank protection works being carried out by the Water Resources Department, stating that such efforts would serve the dual objective of protecting the riverbank and increasing tourism attractiveness.
He also proposed that the second phase of the project involve beautifying of the Dhabaleswar Temple grounds and the creation of an approach road near the National Law University Odisha. To improve the visitor experience, he proposed launching cruise operations on the Mahanadi.
The Chief Minister stated that additional monies will be supplied if necessary to guarantee full beautification and timely completion of the project.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswata Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of Water Resources Department Shubha Sharma, Principal Secretary of Finance Department Sanjib Mishra, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua, and Cuttack Municipal Council
