image credits: manas muduli
What is the budget for Mahanadi Waterfront Project?
The Odisha government has allocated a substantial Rs 200 crore budget for the Mahanadi Waterfront Project. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been officially approved, marking a crucial step toward implementation. In its first phase, Rs 38 crore will be invested to develop a 3.5-kilometer stretch along the Mahanadi River in Cuttack. This initial phase sets the foundation for a broader vision to transform the riverfront.
Principal secretary of housing and urban development department, Usha Padhee, said: “The project will also focus on water quality management, waste treatment plants. It will include river clean-up initiatives, waste management systems, and efforts to encourage sustainable practices among local communities.”
Key Officials and Departments involved in this Waterfront Project
The Mahanadi Waterfront Project is a collaborative effort involving key officials and departments of the Odisha government. Leading the charge is Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, the Minister for the Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department. The H&UD Department oversees the project’s planning and execution.
A high-level meeting held at Kharavela Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, chaired by Dr. Mahapatra, brought together prominent stakeholders, including Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahatab, Cuttack-Barabati MLA Sofia Firdous, Cuttack-Choudwar MLA Souvik Biswal, and Cuttack Sadar MLA Prakas Chandra Sethy. Other attendees included the Principal Secretary of H&UD, Usha Padhee, the Cuttack Collector, the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) Vice Chairman, and the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) Commissioner. Senior officers from the Water Resources and Forest & Climate Change departments also participated.
Objective of the Mahanadi Riverfront Project in Cuttack
Cuttack, Odisha’s millennium city, serves as the focal point for the Mahanadi Waterfront Project which will span across 426 acres of land. Nestled along the banks of the Mahanadi River, one of India’s major river systems, spanning over 850 kilometers, this historic city is poised for a modern makeover. The project targets the riverfront, an area steeped in cultural and economic significance, aiming to enhance its appeal as a public space.
The Mahanadi Waterfront Project aims to rejuvenate Cuttack’s riverfront into a multifaceted space that boosts tourism, enhances recreational opportunities, and promotes ecological sustainability. Drawing inspiration from the Sabarmati Riverfront model in Gujarat, the project envisions a blend of green infrastructure, pedestrian-friendly zones, and commercial spaces. Key features include water sports facilities like boating and kayaking, event spaces for cultural performances.
