The initiative by Sambalpur Development Authority (SDA) to prepare a comprehensive development plan for the town is progressing at snail’s pace. The plan is still not ready though three years have passed since SDA initiated steps to prepare it for boosting development in the town.
An organization of Gujarat named JITCO was authorized by SDA to prepare the draft plan. A total of Rs. 89.89 lakh was earmarked for this out of which Rs.23.20 lakh has already been given to JITCO.The plan was earlier scheduled to be ready by August 8, 2010, but the term was extended to January 2012 as it could not be completed within the stipulated time period.
Judging by the slow progress so far, it is unlikely that the draft plan would be ready by month-end. Even if the draft materializes this month, then also it does not seem that the final notification will be published in the next 6 months.
In terms of development Sambalpur, considered as an important town, is lagging behind its counter parts in the state. Thousands of people of 10 districts in this part of state tap Sambalpur regularly for various reasons including education, health and communication.
Inspite of so much importance being given to this town, administration has failed to develop any specific plan for stimulating infrastructure development here. The town has many narrow roads which create difficulty in movement of traffic. Land encroachment problem is also on the rise here. Due to encroachment of roads by street vendors and shop owners, road have become narrower affecting vehicular movement and often leading to mishaps. Locals often blamed the administration for not taking enough steps to boost the infrastructure development in the town and also for neglecting the civic problems. They alleged that the administration is not addressing the problems related to road connectivity, communication, transport, water supply, Industrial development, beautification, growing demand for houses and others.
The need for a comprehensive plan was felt as the population of the town is continuously rising along side industrial development. In view of this, SDA has asked JITCO to prepare the plan in January 2009.But the people are still waiting for the final plan.
However, SDA authorities have said that 90 percent of the plan has been completed.”The complete plan will be ready by January and will be sent to Government for nod. But we are not sure that final notification will be published within 5-6months”,they pointed out.