Strategic Push for Planned Urban Growth in Baripada

Bhubaneswar : In a significant move towards ensuring planned and inclusive urban
development, a high-level meeting on the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) for
Baripada town was convened today at Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. The meeting was
chaired by Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Hon’ble Minister, Housing & Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha. Setting the tone for the deliberations, Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department,
highlighted the growing need for a structured Master Plan for Baripada — a key urban centre in northern Odisha with strategic economic and cultural relevance. She emphasized the importance of inter-departmental collaboration for holistic and
sustainable urban growth. A major decision taken at the meeting was to constitute a Joint Technical Committee, comprising representatives from key stakeholder departments, to initiate and oversee the preparation of a detailed Master Plan for Baripada. The committee will be responsible for data collection, spatial mapping,
integration of infrastructure requirements, and alignment with regional development goals. The meeting witnessed the participation of Commissionercum-Secretary, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department, Collector & District Magistrate,
Mayurbhanj, senior officials from the Indian Railways, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Urban Planning experts, and other senior officers from relevant departments. Discussions covered key aspects such as: Land use planning to accommodate future population growth Urban mobility and connectivity, particularly in
relation to National Highways and Railway networks Infrastructure development
including water supply, drainage, solid waste management, and housing Heritage conservation and ecosensitive zoning, given Baripada’s unique socio-cultural identity Integration with ongoing state-level urban initiatives under the Vision 2036 framework Hon’ble Minister Dr. Mahapatra stressed the need to ensure that the CDP reflects the
aspirations of the people of Baripada and takes into account the challenges of rapid
urbanization. He called for a timebound action plan and directed officials to ensure people’s participation and transparency throughout the planning process. The meeting marks a critical step in translating Baripada’s urban potential into a livable, sustainable, and economically vibrant town. The initiative aligns with the Government of Odisha’s
larger vision of ‘Vikshit Odisha 2036’, focusing on balanced regional development and
inclusive urbanization.