Bhubaneswar, Feb. 19 -- The question 'Which body holds the authority to approve building plans in Bhubaneswar?' remains contentious. Despite transfer of the responsibilities to the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 2015, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) continues to grant plan approvals, raising eyebrows among citizens and stakeholders alike.

Recent findings obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act reveal that BDA has sanctioned 2,858 projects from 2015 to 2023. This has not only muddled the regulatory landscape but has also resulted in a substantial financial discrepancy. Revenue to the tune of Rs 48.14 Crore has been diverted to BDA funds, which should have legally belonged to the civic body in Bhubaneswa...