In a significant move towards urban development, Rourkela Smart City Ltd (RSCL) has sanctioned three new projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and addressing long-standing civic concerns. These include the construction of a new stormwater drainage system, the redevelopment of the existing bus terminal, and the transformation of the TISCO site into a recreational hub. Key Decisions at the 29th RSCL Board Meeting At the 29th Board of Directors meeting of RSCL, chaired by Development Commissioner Anu Garg in Bhubaneswar, and attended by Housing and Urban Development Department Secretary Usha Padhee, the progress of ongoing projects in Rourkela was reviewed, and new developments were approved. The meeting was informed that the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICC) and the Tribal Museum, part of the Rourkela One project, are set for completion by June. However, the Rourkela One initiative is currently lagging by at least two years. Instructions were also issued to expedite the completion of the Koel Nagar Recreational Park without further delays. Additionally, discussions were held regarding the development of the Vedavyas Peetha, a site of cultural and religious significance. Addressing Monsoon Woes: A New Stormwater Drainage System To mitigate the persistent issue of waterlogging in Rourkela, the construction of a new stormwater drainage system was approved. This initiative aims to alleviate flooding in key residential areas such as Dayanand Nagar, PK Das Colony, Burutola, and Jagannath Colony. Despite RSCL having constructed 11 stormwater drains at a cost of approximately ?110 crore by the end of 2022, waterlogging remains a major challenge in several parts of the city. Redevelopment of the Bus Terminal: A Long-Overdue Project The dilapidated and overcrowded bus stand near Bisra Chowk has been a cause for concern for over a decade. While plans were floated to build a new and spacious terminal at an alternate location in preparation for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in January 2023, RSCL neither approved the proposal nor took steps to upgrade the existing facility. The latest approval seeks to finally address this issue by redeveloping the current terminal. Transformation of the TISCO Site into a Tourist Destination The erstwhile TISCO Colony near Panposh Sports Hostel is set for a major facelift, with plans to convert a deep quarry pit into a scenic recreational facility known as TISCO Pond. The redevelopment will include: Renovation of the pond Beautification of the surrounding areas A forest trail and foot-over-bridge A food court to attract visitors In addition, a dedicated market space will be established at the site to accommodate around 400 roadside vendors, particularly vegetable sellers who currently occupy the approach road to Chhend Colony and Kalinga Vihar every Friday, leading to severe traffic congestion. RSCL's Chief Executive Officer, Ashutosh Kulkarni, was also present at the meeting, ensuring that these ambitious projects align with Rourkela’s vision for smart and sustainable urban development.