The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) is continuing efforts to improve living conditions for the urban poor by restarting work on the slum rehabilitation housing project at Mahisakhal slum in the Badagada area. The initiative, initially launched in 2013 under the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY), aims to construct a G+4 storied building to provide better housing for slum dwellers.
Project Overview
The comprehensive plan entails the development of 19 blocks comprising approximately 700 dwelling units. While the BDA successfully completed work on 15 blocks and allocated homes to selected beneficiaries, issues pertaining to land and funding hindered progress on the remaining four blocks. Consequently, numerous slum dwellers remain without adequate housing, residing in makeshift dwellings in an unhygienic environment near the project site.
Recent Developments
In response to concerns raised during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena last October, officials discussed solutions to provide housing for those left out of the initial phases. Subsequently, in March, the BDA released a tender to identify an agency to construct the remaining four blocks, with a budget of Rs 20 crore allocated for this phase.
Significance
Officials emphasize that this initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing the quality of life for slum dwellers by providing them with safe and adequate housing. They underscore the project’s alignment with the BDA’s ongoing efforts to address challenges faced by the urban poor in Bhubaneswar.
Community Response
The decision to proceed with the project has been met with approval from slum dwellers, who had advocated for the construction to occur at the same site, expressing reluctance to relocate. This move is particularly welcomed by beneficiaries like Pratap Sahu, who have resided in the area for an extended period.
By resuming work on the Mahisakhal slum rehabilitation housing project, the BDA aims to fulfill the housing needs of marginalized communities while improving overall living conditions in the region.
