Bhubaneswar, 08 January (H.S.): A high-level review meeting on Transit Housing and Affordable Housing Projects (AHPs) was held on Thursday under the chairpersonship of Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, to assess the status of completed housing units, streamline allotment processes and strengthen planned urban development.

The meeting reviewed the progress of major Affordable Housing Projects, including Chandrasekharpur (Buddha Vihar), Nilamadhab Awas Yojana, Santipali Awas Yojana and Subuddhipur AHP, with a focus on ensuring early occupation of completed units and avoiding vacancies. Upcoming projects at Ghatikia and Gadakana were also reviewed, with directions issued for strict adherence to timelines.

A key decision taken was the constitution of an Empowered Committee, chaired by the Principal Secretary, to provide policy oversight and ensure coordinated decision-making on affordable and rental housing, allotment modalities and optimal utilisation of completed units.

It was decided that completed AHP units will be provisionally allotted to eligible beneficiaries for a six-month period, during which occupancy and compliance will be monitored. Final allotment orders will be issued after successful completion of this period. The allotted units will be non-transferable and cannot be sub-let to ensure intended use.

The meeting also emphasised integration of housing projects with the AMA BUS public transport system to improve accessibility and promote sustainable urban mobility. Reiterating the State government’s policy of “No New Slums and No New Encroachments,” officials stressed proactive housing provision and prioritisation of rental housing, particularly for migrant workers and urban poor.

Senior officials from the Housing & Urban Development Department, Bhubaneswar Development Authority and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation attended the meeting. Directions were issued for time-bound allotment, transparent processes and strong inter-agency coordination to support orderly and inclusive urban growth in Odisha.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda