Sambalpur -15th July 2025: The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) has become almost non-functional. Due to the absence of elected public representatives and municipal elections, large-scale irregularities are being reported, which have severely affected the citizens—this was alleged by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
BJD leaders including Sanjit Mohanty, Gokul Meher, MD Sanaullah, Mohammad Murtuza, Dhiren Devta, Duryodhan Mohanty, Sumit Patel, Chuman Pradhan, Shubham Sahu, and Chitrasen Nayak met Commissioner Ved Bhushan to raise these issues.
They pointed out that the Sambalpur Development Authority (SDA) has also become inactive. Except for demolishing one or two abandoned buildings, no significant development work has been undertaken. Although some development plans had been formulated, none have been effectively implemented.
Previously, when the post of SDA Secretary was held by the Sub-Collector or Additional District Magistrate, there was at least some development work happening. But now, despite the presence of a full-time Secretary, no visible work is taking place. Furthermore, the newly formed state government has not yet appointed a Chairperson for SDA.
Currently, the SMC Commissioner is also holding the Vice-Chairman post of SDA, yet no development activity is being carried out under his leadership. A notable example is the prime land between Mudipada and Laxmitalkies, where the SDA had once planned to build a multi-storey market complex and auditorium on the site of an old market complex. While the old structure has been demolished, no progress has been made since then.
The BJD leaders demanded:
Construction of a modern market complex and an auditorium with 700–800 seating capacity.
Development of a cultural-commercial hub similar to Delhi Haat or Ekamra Haat that would promote Sambalpuri culture, cuisine, and handicrafts.
They also expressed disappointment over the lack of attractive parks in the city. Existing parks are not appealing and require upgrades. They called for renovation and beautification of:
Gauri Shankar Sahania Park (Ring Road)
Sairendra Nayak Park
Park near Balibandha
Gandhi Park (Commissioner Colony)
Padmakeshari Park (Mudipada)
Bhimabhoi Park
Kirba Park (Burla)
The BJD team also:
Criticized the proposal to hand over Sen Park to a private entity.
Objected to the neglected condition of Ramsagar Park.
Expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of progress in the Baludunguri Temple Area Development (near Gopalpali).
They highlighted the stalled Handicrafts Park project in Rengali, which is now overgrown with vegetation despite being 80% completed. Due to delays, a new tender will now be necessary, wasting previous expenditure.
The leaders further noted:
In the newly emerging urban areas of Sambalpur, Burla, and Hirakud, basic infrastructure such as roads, drainage, drinking water, sanitation, and electrification is absent.
Even after inclusion in the municipality, 12 gram panchayats continue to lack both urban and rural development benefits.
Past projects under SDA such as:
Construction of Kalyan Mandaps in Hirakud
New vending zones and market complexes
Restoration and beautification of Burla reservoir
… have all come to a halt.
A particular concern raised was that many people who bought land from SDA in Durgapali for housing over 20 to 30 years ago still haven’t received their land documents.
The BJD also demanded:
Revival of SDA Housing Colony projects
Operationalizing the Food Plaza built near the bus stand
Restoration of market complexes
Urbanization of Chipilima and Goshala areas
Rebuilding roads and drainage
Making Golbazaar’s new market complex functional
The leaders concluded by expressing serious concern over the administrative stagnation and urged immediate corrective action.
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