Berhampur comprehensive development plan approved by Odisha government

The much awaited comprehensive development plan (CDP) for Berhampur development plan area has been approved by Odisha government.

Berhampur Development Authority (BDA) received a letter on Wednesday from the housing and urban development department in this regard, officials said today.

Berhampur development plan area, known as 'Greater Berhampur', comprises Berhampur Municipal Corporation, two neighbouring towns, Chhatrapur and Gopalpur and 139 villages. Greater Berhampur is spread over 320 sq km.

The CDP was prepared by the Town and Country Planning Organisation (TCPO) under Union ministry of urban development. The development authority has approved the plan after incorporating some suggestions received from public, the officials said.

Around 407 objections and suggestions were received after issue of public notice and accordingly the urban body made the rectification.

After some modifications by the Director, town planning, the CDP was approved by the government. The last development plan for the Silk City was prepared in 1969. "The new plan was prepared after an exhaustive exercise," said the development authority Chairman,Subash Moharana.

The CDP is necessary for development of any town. "The plan was prepared keeping in view Berhampur's possible growth in the next two decades," he said.

The urban body took the initiative get the CDP done in 1996, said its secretary Dipti Mohapatra. The TCPO took two- and a half months for finalising the CDP, the sources added.

Unauthorised colonies are mushrooming in the city due to lack of comprehensive master plan and inhabitants are facing problems in constructing houses. The city is also witnessing traffic congestion and shortage of drinking water.

Real estate developers are facing difficulty in getting their plans approved by the development authority, said an official. "I hope the CDP will help all the stakeholders," said Berhampur MLA .

-PTI Aug 7, 2015