Rs 913 cr to develop Joda, Barbil as model towns

A blueprint for developing Joda and Badbil urban local bodies (ULB)s as model towns has been put in place.

The blueprint was discussed and accorded in-principle approval in a high level meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief SecretaryAditya Prasad Padhi on Friday wherein Secretary Housing and Urban Development G Mathivathanan was present, among others.

Considering the present state of development in the towns, Padhi directed to adopt a multipronged approach for integrated development of the area. Padhi also directed to implement the programmes in convergence with ongoing projects and schemes of the Government so as to avoid duplication and make those more outcome oriented.

The concerned departments were directed to provide all technical, administrative and consultative assistance to the district administration in implementation of the projects.

It was decided to constitute steering committee at district level and working committee at the ULB level for end-to-end planning, implementation and monitoring of the projects at ground level.

Deliberations in the meeting highlighted that the two areas are India’s largest iron ore producing areas. Presently, around 21 mines in Joda and five mines in Barbil are producing iron and manganese ore. The towns have a total population of around 1.13 lakh among whom 45 to 48 per cent belong to ST and SC communities.

Around 7,000 mineral loaded trucks pass through the towns each day carrying minerals from mining sites to railway sidings and ports.

The meeting identified four main focus areas such as improved living environment, equitable and sustainable infrastructure, economic diversification and harmony between culture and nature.

The project themes like Sabuja Sahar, Sukha Yatra, Nirapada Nagar, Samrudhi, Kaushal-Jibika and Prakruti and Sanskruti were envisaged for addressing the focus areas.

Around 14 intervention areas with definite action points were proposed and decided in the meeting. These included road dust control, railway siding dust control, sustainable practices, air quality monitoring, water quality improvement, creation of green spaces, promotion of non-motorised transport modes like e-rickshaws, improving road condition, enhancing public safety and security, welfare of aged, women and disabled, enhanced urban infrastructure and improving livelihood opportunities.

The projects under these intervention areas were preliminarily estimated at around Rs 913 crore. Chief Secretary Padhi directed to source funds from OMBADC, DMF, existing schemes, plans and programmes of both State and Central Governments.