Bhubaneswar, once a model planned city rooted in ancient heritage, now struggles to balance rapid growth with preserving its identity.
Tejeswar Patnaik
For centuries, Cuttack served as the political and cultural capital of Odisha under various dynasties, including the Mughals, Marathas, and the British. Yet, with India’s independence on the horizon, it was clear that a new capital was needed—one that could meet the demands of a modern state. The mantle of leadership fell on Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, who envisioned Bhubaneswar, a city rich in history and spirituality, as the new seat of governance. This vision transcended into a reality with the Odisha Assembly’s resolution in 1946, and the foundation stone of the city was laid by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on April 13, 1948.
Over the decades, Bhubaneswar has grown from a temple town into one of Eastern India’s most dynamic cities. Celebrated annually with grandeur by the government and civic bodies, the city’s foundation day is a reminder of its unique blend of history, spirituality, and modern ambition. But beneath the surface of rapid growth lies a city at odds with its original plan, struggling to preserve its identity in the face of unchecked expansion and civic mismanagement.
Long before it became the capital of modern Odisha, Bhubaneswar had already made its mark on the pages of Indian history. Known in ancient times as Ekamra Kshetra, it was the spiritual and cultural center of the Kalinga kingdom. The infamous Kalinga War, fought near the banks of the Daya River, changed the course of Indian history. Ashoka’s transformation from a ruthless conqueror to a peace-loving Buddhist emperor finds its roots here.
The city was also home to Maha Meghavahana Kharavela, a formidable monarch of the Chedi dynasty, who ruled in the 1st century BCE. Renowned for his military conquests in North and South India, promotion of Jainism, and patronage of the arts, Kharavela elevated Kalinga to new heights. The Hathigumpha inscription, etched into the Udayagiri hills, continues to narrate his legacy.
Even today, Bhubaneswar remains a treasure trove of architectural marvels. The Old Town area is home to over 500 temples, including the iconic Lingaraj Temple, an 11th-century architectural masterpiece. The Mukteswar Temple, with its ornate torana (archway), and the Rajarani Temple, known for its sensual sculptures, draw art historians and tourists alike. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, once dwelling places of Jain monks, offer a profound glimpse into early ascetic life.
When Bhubaneswar was chosen as the new capital, it was envisioned as a modern, orderly urban settlement. Designed by German architect Otto Königsberger, it was one of India’s earliest planned cities, with clearly demarcated zones for government, education, and residential areas. For several decades, the city adhered to this plan.
However, post-1990s economic liberalization and rising migration triggered unplanned urban sprawl. The influx of people seeking jobs in the education, IT, and health sectors resulted in an explosion of construction activity. High-rise apartments, shopping complexes, and commercial buildings mushroomed, often with minimal oversight. While many real estate projects received approval from the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), violations of these approvals are regular.
Natural drainage channels were blocked or encroached upon, leading to frequent urban flooding during the monsoon. Slums and unauthorized colonies sprang up across government land, often in unsafe and unhygienic conditions, with authorities overlooking these developments for years. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), tasked with maintaining civic infrastructure, struggled to keep pace.
Bhubaneswar’s transformation into a concrete jungle has taken a severe toll on its natural environment. Once known for its rich green cover, forests, and pleasant weather, the city has seen a systematic depletion of trees and open spaces. Many Localities, which were earlier known for their greenery, have traffic congestion, high-rises, and pollution.
The decline in green spaces has exacerbated urban heat island effects and weakened natural flood control mechanisms. During heavy rains, waterlogging is a common occurrence due to clogged drains and encroached waterways. The environment, once integral to the city’s charm, is being sidelined in the name of development.
There is illegal encroachment of pavements and public spaces by street vendors. While livelihoods must be protected, the current state of unregulated vending poses serious challenges. From fish and meat sellers to fruit vendors and roadside eateries, informal stalls have encroached on footpaths near hospitals, schools, markets, and traffic junctions, making walking difficult and hazardous.
The result is daily traffic congestion, poor hygiene, and a general decline in public aesthetics. Enforcement agencies often turn a blind eye, either due to political pressures or a lack of resources. Even more concerning is the open flouting of rules by some builders and real estate developers, who violate construction norms with little fear of penalty.
Despite having better road infrastructure than many Indian cities, Bhubaneswar grapples with the burden of increasing vehicular traffic. According to data from the Regional Transport Office (RTO), the city has seen an 85% rise in vehicle registrations over the past decade. With over 14 lakh vehicles currently on its roads, and nearly 12,000 new vehicles being added each month, congestion is becoming a daily struggle. Violations of traffic rules are rampant. Reckless driving, unauthorized use of service roads, and poor enforcement have made road safety a major concern.
To address the growing demand for urban mobility, the Odisha government has announced plans to introduce a metro rail project in Bhubaneswar. While this is a welcome step, it must be part of a broader, integrated urban transport strategy.
As Bhubaneswar aspires to become a truly smart and sustainable city, the role of political leadership, city planners, and civic bodies is critical. The BDA, as the chief urban planning authority, must take a more proactive and transparent approach. A long-term vision is essential—one that not only addresses current needs but also anticipates future challenges.
This vision must focus on the Protection of green coverage and expanding urban forests, regulation of construction activities and penalizing violations, Relocation of street vendors to designated vending zones while ensuring their economic security, rehabilitation of eligible slum dwellers in suitable areas by providing dwelling units, Improving waste management, sewage systems, and water infrastructure and Ensuring accountability for civic officials and development agencies.
The Odisha government’s initiatives, such as the Town Planning Scheme and Local Area Plan, must be implemented sincerely, with community participation and stakeholder engagement. Smart city development must not come at the cost of the city’s heritage, ecology, or quality of life.
Bhubaneswar is at a pivotal moment in its history. It has come a long way from being a temple town to a growing IT, education, and healthcare hub. But with growth comes responsibility. The city must not lose sight of what makes it unique—its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and planned foundations.
With strong governance, visionary planning, and civic engagement, Bhubaneswar can still reclaim its identity as a clean, green, and well-organized city—a city that reflects both the ancient spirit of Kalinga and the aspirations of a modern Odisha.
(The writer is a former banker and a columnist. Views are personal.)
