Bhubaneswar, Sept 28: A proposed state-of-the-art Revenue Bhawan at Kalpana Square was envisioned as a one-stop destination for revenue-related services in Bhubaneswar. However, despite a detailed plan and a proposed investment of Rs 350 crore, the project remains pending.
The Revenue Bhawan was proposed on around 4.9 acres of land covering the old BMC office and adjoining areas at Kalpana Square. The land has already been transferred from the General Administration Department to the Revenue Department.
The proposed complex was planned to house several key offices under one roof, including the Khordha Collector’s Camp Court, Additional Collector’s Office, Sub-Collector’s Office, Tahasil Office, Registration Offices, RDC Camp Office and Board of Revenue Office.
The eight-storey building was planned with two basement levels for parking and a modern tower. It was also proposed to extensively use solar power. The Works Department-II has prepared and submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR), with the project estimated to cost around Rs 350 crore.
The project was intended to address the growing space and parking problems faced by existing revenue offices in the city. At the Kalpana Square Sub-Registrar offices, crowds gather daily for land registration and marriage-related services. The old BMC building currently houses the Bhubaneswar and Khandagiri Sub-Registrar offices, leading to congestion.
The narrow corridors and lack of adequate parking further add to the problems, while stamp paper vendors and notaries operate in the surrounding areas.
The Bhubaneswar Sub-Collector and Tahasil offices also face severe space constraints. The Tahasil office operates from the first floor, while the Sub-Collector’s office is on the second floor, leaving limited space for officials and visitors.
Similarly, the Additional Collector’s Office at Power House Square operates from an older building, where the Khordha Collector’s Camp Court is also held.
The proposed Revenue Bhawan was meant to bring these offices together under one roof and provide easier access to revenue services. Under the plan, some encroached structures, the old BMC office and certain government quarters would be removed to make way for the new complex.
However, construction can begin only after government approval. Until then, people continue to rely on scattered and overcrowded revenue offices across Bhubaneswar.
