Bhubaneswar development halts Mahisakhal Slum Housing

The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has announced its decision to suspend the remaining work on the slum redevelopment housing project that was initiated at Mahisakhal in Badagada. This project aimed to provide rehabilitation for the residents of nearby slums. The BDA had undertaken this project in 2013 under the former Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) scheme. According to the plan, a G+4-storied building was approved for construction to accommodate slum dwellers. The project intended to build 19 blocks, comprising nearly 700 dwelling units. Initially, the BDA had hired a private contractor to commence the construction. Work on approximately 15 blocks was successfully completed. However, due to land issues and subsequent financial constraints, the construction of the remaining four blocks faced delays. During this period, a survey conducted by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) led to the allocation of houses in the 15 completed blocks to eligible slum dwellers. Nevertheless, several individuals were left homeless because the construction of the remaining four blocks could not be finished. Recently, a high-level meeting was convened to address the challenges associated with the project. In the meeting, BDA officials explained that the project's delay was primarily caused by complications in land acquisition and administrative issues with the private contractor. They also highlighted the problem of cost escalation. The officials stated that the BDA requires Rs 200.75 million to complete the construction of the remaining four blocks.