Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has initiated the process to undertake a detailed topographic, and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey for preparing the master plan of proposed Bhubaneswar new city. The BDA has proposed to develop the new city over Gothapatna, Malipada and Dasapur area.It has floated a request for proposal (RFP) to appoint a specialised agency to carry out the survey using advanced technologies such as UAV-based LiDAR, high-resolution aerial imagery and GIS mapping. The LiDAR is a remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to create a highly accurate 3D map of the ground and objects on it. In urban planning and surveying, LiDAR sensors are usually mounted on drones, aircraft or helicopters.Chanchal Rana, the BDA vice-chairman, said the survey will provide critical data for planning future mobility networks, public infrastructure, housing, drainage systems and environmental conservation measures in the proposed urban expansion zone.According to the RFP, the survey will cover around 788.94 acres identified for the proposed new city, along with a 500-metre buffer zone around the project boundary to capture external road networks, drainage systems, utility corridors and adjoining developments.Officials said the survey will create a highly accurate geospatial database that will serve as the foundation for land-use planning, infrastructure development, urban design, environmental assessment and implementation planning for the new city project.The selected agency will prepare digital terrain and elevation models; contour, drainage and utility maps; orthomosaic imagery; and a GIS-based integrated base map of the area.The authority has specified stringent technical standards that require horizontal and vertical survey accuracy. The project will also involve geo-referencing of revenue maps, digitisation of land parcels, mapping of roads, water bodies, utilities and existing infrastructure.Officials said the survey findings would form the base document for the preparation of the Bhubaneswar new city master plan, which is expected to guide future growth and development in the designated area over time.As per the draft plan, the new city will have different knowledge-based industries, research labs, tourism-supporting components and more.The state cabinet gave its nod to the new city project in Sept last year. At the beginning of this year, the BDA entered into an agreement with Singapore-based Surbana Jurong for the project.
