Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday reviewed the Cuttack River Front Development project and directed officials to expedite preliminary processes and begin first-phase work immediately. The project will cover 426 acres along the Mahanadi riverbank in Cuttack at an estimated cost of Rs 210 crore. Of the total area, 284 acres will be developed as a green zone in line with National Green Tribunal directions, while the remaining 142 acres will be made tourism-friendly and used for festive activities.Planned components of the project include Odisha Haat, a Heritage Village, picnic area, interpretation centre, food court, lawns, gardens and beautification of water bodies along the riverbank. Officials said all construction activities will be carried out in accordance with Green Tribunal guidelines.Majhi said the riverfront should be developed as a national-level tourist attraction and asked officials to study Gujarat’s Sabarmati riverfront model for reference.He also called for beautification of riverbank protection works being undertaken by the water resources department, saying such projects should serve both as protective infrastructure and tourist attractions.During the meeting, the chief minister proposed beautification of Dhabaleswar Temple and development of the area near National Law University in the second phase of the project. He also suggested introducing cruise operations on the Mahanadi to enhance the riverfront’s appeal and said additional funds would be provided if required.
