Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Set To Inaugurate Housing Projects for Economically Weaker Sections on November 20

CM Naveen Patnaik set to unveil 1,700 affordable homes for the urban poor.

In a move towards accomplishing the vision of ‘Housing for All in Urban Areas’, Odisha's Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, is all set to inaugurate more than 1,700 housing units designed for the urban poor. These projects, named Buddha Vihar and Keshari Residency, mark a major step in the implementation of the “Housing for All” policy notified in 2015.

Constructed through the collaborative efforts of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and private partners, these projects go beyond mere housing. With the integration of essential social infrastructure such as neighbourhood shopping centres and community spaces into the projects, the emphasis is on the holistic development of urban communities. Notably, more than 7,000 housing units for the urban poor are currently under construction across the city, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive urban growth.

Buddha Vihar, situated atop a hill adjacent to the Buddha Jayanti Park in Chandrasekharpur, and Keshari Residency, located in the upscale Satya Nagar locality, symbolise the diversity of this initiative. These houses for the economically weaker section (EWS) are 23 to 30 square metres and have an affordable price tag of approximately Rs. 1.5 lakh. To ease the financial burden on allottees, the BDA will facilitate bank loans for prospective homeowners.

The Keshari Residency project pioneers in-situ slum development in the Shanti Nagar slum of Satya Nagar. Covering over four acres, the Phase-I Slum Redevelopment Project has 840 EWS units in all, with 560 units ready for habitation. According to BDA sources, as a part of this endeavour, the private developer will receive a 2.10-acre patch of land for independent development. This initiative aligns with the government's 2015 policy, which accords incentives for private developers to ensure the creation of affordable housing units.