Odisha CM approves Mahanadi River Front development plan
Bhubaneswar, Sep 11 (UNI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today approved the much-awaited Mahanadi Riverfront Development Project, to be implemented between 2025-26
and 2027-28 with an estimated expenditure of Rs 240 crore.
The entire project cost will be borne from the state government’s own resources through the Department of Water Resources.
Announcing the approval, the Chief Minister said the Mahanadi is the lifeline of Odisha, and significant stretches of the river will be transformed into major hubs for environmental, cultural,
and spiritual tourism.
“These riverfront destinations will play a crucial role in boosting Odisha’s economy,” he added.
The project, Majhi said, aims to provide social and cultural amenities along the riverbanks, develop infrastructure for water sports, amusement parks, science parks, herbal gardens, and recreational facilities and address riverbank erosion and strengthen river structures.
It will also divert sewage outlets to keep river water clean,conserve water to ensure supply to nearby areas during scarcity and promote sustainable development and revive surrounding regions.
Official sources said on the Sambalpur stretch (Mandalia to Chaunrapur),facilities such as parking zones, jogging tracks, selfie points, open gyms, upgraded bathing and ritual ghats, aarti ghats, theme plazas, shopping complexes, toilets, and landscaped parks will be developed at an investment of Rs.60 crore.
On Bhubaneswar stretch (near Pandara, Kuakhai & Kushabhadra rivers), facilities such as strengthening of ghats, scenic viewpoints with ring road, floating jetties, lock gates, bridges,
parking, cafeterias, toilets, and pedestrian pathways will be taken up at an investment of
Rs.80 crore.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the Mahanadi riverfront project will not only enhance cultural and environmental heritage but also revive the surrounding areas and generate long-term socio-economic benefits for the state
