The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to create a model slum in each ward to pave way for their transformation and convert them to Biju Adarsh Colonies in the long run.
In May the slum tag has been removed from 135 localities, out of those slums the officials have selected 10 to develop into model slums. It has chalked out plans to identify the existing authorized slums for their transformation. The initiative can help authorities to ensure a slum-free city and motivate slum-dwellers living in unauthorized slums to refrain from encroachment and get themselves enrolled to be part of an unauthorized survey. The city has 548 slums out of which 116 are authorized.
BMC Commissioner Vijay Kulange said according to the initial plan each ward will have one model slum but the number could increase in some wards if there is enough space. “We are planning the slum re-development work under the government’s Jaga Mission. The transformation will see slums in the future become Adarsh Colonies, Kulunge said.
While six components- road, drain, individual household latrine, drinking water, power supply, and streetlights are mandatory for the slum’s facelift-three more components, a community center, open space development, and children’s play area will be introduced in slums where space will be available.
The city has 67 wards and each will have on model slum with a focus on peripheral development such as landscaping, children’s play area and equipment, parking, and disabled-friendly barrier-free access.
BMC Deputy Commissioner Ramesh Jena said care will be taken in the development of open spaces. “We will create enough space for children’s play areas. We will make basic amenities available to help residents maintain hygiene and health. The benefit of a wide road is that in case of fire accidents, the fire tenders can have easy access to the point of accident, Jena said.