The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has temporarily suspended a slum redevelopment housing project in Mahisakhal, Badagada. Initiated in 2013 under the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY), the project aimed to construct a G+4-storied building with 19 blocks, providing nearly 700 dwelling units for slum dwellers. While approximately 15 blocks were completed initially, the remaining four faced delays due to land acquisition and funding issues. Eligible slum dwellers were allotted homes in the completed blocks, leaving some without housing. The BDA estimates it needs Rs 20.75 crore to complete the remaining blocks, raising concerns about the fate of those still awaiting housing.
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has announced a temporary suspension of the slum redevelopment housing project underway at Mahisakhal in Badagada. This project aimed to provide housing for the residents of nearby slums. The BDA had initiated the project in 2013 under the then-existent Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY), with plans for the construction of a G+4-storied building to rehabilitate slum dwellers. The ambitious project was designed to encompass 19 blocks, providing nearly 700 dwelling units.
Initially, the BDA engaged a private contractor and successfully completed construction on approximately 15 blocks. However, the remaining four blocks faced significant delays due to land acquisition issues and later, a shortage of funds, according to sources.
Meanwhile, based on a survey conducted by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), eligible slum dwellers were allotted homes in the completed 15 blocks. Unfortunately, due to the unfinished construction, a considerable number of individuals still remain without proper housing.
A recent high-level meeting was convened to address the project's setbacks. During the meeting, BDA officials cited land acquisition problems, administrative issues with the private contractor, and cost escalation as the primary reasons for the delay in completing the remaining four blocks. According to the minutes of the meeting, the BDA estimated that it would require Rs 20.75 crore to complete the construction of these blocks.
The BDA's decision to halt the project raises questions about the fate of those still awaiting housing in the slum redevelopment project. As the BDA weighs its options, the residents of Mahisakhal and the nearby slums remain in limbo, hoping for a resolution that will provide them with the housing they were promised years ago.
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