The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved a new ₹500-crore Jalatat Bikash Yojana (Waterfront Development Scheme) aimed at rejuvenating riversides and urban water bodies across the state over the next five years.

The ambitious initiative seeks to restore and develop riverbanks, reservoirs, ponds, and other water bodies located within urban areas while making their surroundings more accessible, environmentally sustainable, and citizen-friendly.

Under the scheme, urban residents will be able to spend more time in well-developed waterfront spaces equipped with improved public amenities, recreational facilities, and green infrastructure.

Focus on Environment, Tourism and Urban Livability

According to Chief Secretary Anu Garg, the scheme is designed to improve the quality of life for urban residents while restoring ecological balance.

The project is expected to promote tourism, cultural activities, heritage conservation, local art, traditional practices, and economic development. It will also strengthen flood management systems and create modern urban infrastructure around water bodies.

The Housing and Urban Development Department will identify the cities and water bodies to be included under the programme.

Cabinet Clears 10 Proposals Across Five Departments

The Cabinet approved a total of 10 proposals from five departments.

These include:

• Four proposals from the Housing and Urban Development Department
• Two proposals from the Industries Department
• Two proposals from the Water Resources Department
• One proposal from the Revenue Department
• One proposal from the Tourism Department

Massive Relief for PMAY and EWS Home Buyers

In another major decision, the Cabinet approved a substantial reduction in registration fees and stamp duty for beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) housing projects.

Under the revised structure:

• Women beneficiaries will pay only 0.6 per cent registration and stamp duty charges.
• Male beneficiaries will pay 0.7 per cent.

The concession will apply to houses measuring less than 60 square metres (645.83 square feet).

Currently, homebuyers in Odisha pay between 6 and 7 per cent towards registration fees and stamp duty. The new policy effectively reduces the burden to nearly one-tenth of the existing rate, providing significant financial relief to low-income families.

Cabinet Approves ₹194-Crore Baitarani Irrigation Project Spillway

The Cabinet also approved a tender worth ₹194.07 crore for the construction of the spillway of the long-awaited Brutanga Irrigation Project in Nayagarh district.

The project is scheduled for completion within 30 months and is expected to play a crucial role in boosting agricultural productivity and rural development in the region.

Irrigation Benefits for 309 Villages

The Brutanga Irrigation Project, Odisha’s eleventh major irrigation project, includes the construction of a 552-metre-long earthen dam and a spillway near Manjari village in Nayagarh district.

Upon completion, the project will create irrigation potential for 23,300 hectares of agricultural land and benefit 309 villages across five blocks:

• Daspalla – 6 villages
• Nuagaon – 95 villages
• Nayagarh – 98 villages
• Khandapada – 95 villages
• Odagaon – 15 villages

The government stated that the project will significantly improve the socio-economic condition of farmers while contributing to the overall development of the surrounding areas.

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