Move on to make Sambalpur a corporation

The voice to upgrade Sambalpur Municipality into a corporation by including Burla and Hirakud NAC is getting shriller with the issue being raised yet again at the extended meeting of the Sambalpur Development Authority (SDA) which went late into the evening on Thursday.

The meeting held after a span of six months resolved to move the State Government over the demand which will also include gram panchayats of Sankarma, Kainsir and A.Katapali under Dhankauda block besides GPs of Matpali and Sindurpank under Maneswar Block.

The meeting chaired by SDA chairman Bijay Kumar Mohanty opined that inclusion of the area will boost the population to beyond 3 lakhs and thus facilitate formation of corporation. The house observed that if required village Kalamati in Gadmunda GP under Dhankauda block and Maneswar GP in Maneswar Block will also be included.

The meeting also decided to undertake construction of commercial complex at Mudipada Old Bus Stand, apartment in Cheruapada, development of parks in Sambalpur and Burla NAC, beautification Shiva temple at Maneswar besides development of vending zones.

The house also decided on other development projects, bridge over Dhobijoar Nullah and widening of road to connect Farm Road area with National Highway 6 at Panchgachia, renovation of Dhobijoar Nullah before monsoon.

The house was informed that work including renovation of Gourishankar Park, road, drain and park of Kirwa Housing Complex and SRIT Colony at Durgapali. Chairman Mohanty disclosed that SDA has prepared a proposal for the municipal corporation complete with facts and figures and map of the geographical area and the governments will be moved. He said that the villages which have been proposed to be included have developed urban character and located on the outskirts of Sambalpur Municipal limits.

He admitted that Sambalpur is growing and there is a need to augment the infrastructure. It houses the  offices of Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Northern Division) and the office of the DIG (Northern Range) besides home to two universities, he added. He said that once it is upgraded to a corporation it will  also get Central assistance which will boost development.

Among others the meeting was attended by District Collector PK Rath, Chairperson of Sambalpur Municipality Kalpana Sahu, Chairperson of Burla NAC Chandrabati Naik and Secretary SDA Sukanta Tripathy.