Bhubaneswar, July 30: In a significant push toward inclusive urban development, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) conducted a transparent lottery draw today to allot affordable housing units to 38 beneficiaries under its Affordable Housing Projects (AHP) and In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) schemes.

Held at the BDA office, the event marked another milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to rehabilitate slum dwellers and provide them with secure, dignified living spaces. Of the total beneficiaries, 24 were allotted homes under the Barunei Enclave AHP in Subudhipur, 9 under the Santi Nagar Awas Yojana (Keshari Residency), and 5 under the Nilamadhab Awas scheme in Chandrasekharpur.

BDA Vice-Chairman Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, who presided over the draw, emphasized the authority’s commitment to improving the quality of life for the urban poor. “We aim to provide more than just shelter — our goal is to ensure a better quality of life with access to essential infrastructure and basic services,” he stated.

To ensure transparency, the lottery was overseen by Independent Observer Dr. Susama Barik, Secretary-cum-General Manager of Boyanika. Senior officials including BDA Secretary Manas Ranjan Padhi and Additional Commissioner (Estate-II) Manoj Kumar Swain were also present.

Beneficiaries actively participated in the draw by picking tokens from a transparent box under official supervision. Each recipient will contribute Rs 1.50 lakh toward the cost of their new flat under the AHP scheme.

This initiative is part of BDA’s broader mission to transform informal settlements into planned residential zones, ensuring equitable access to housing and civic amenities.

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