The Central allocation under the scheme for 101 local urban bodies (ULBs) was Rs 181.79 crore. Naveen has requested that it should be raised to Rs 1,000 crore.

According to a release here, Naveen met Union Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy in Delhi today and discussed various issues relating to urban development in Orissa.

Naveen said Orissa is forging ahead with the implementation of key urban reforms and has progressed well in the execution of UIDSSMT. Besides, only Bhubaneswar and Puri have been included under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). Naveen demanded inclusion of Cuttack in the JNNURM. The integrated sewerage and conservation of Bindusagar projects had already been taken up in the capital city.

Naveen underscored the need for early release of the first instalment of central share for the 12 drinking water supply projects which had already been sanctioned.

The second instalment for the five ongoing road projects of Cuttack, water bodies restoration projects of Cuttack and Berhampur towns and water supply projects of Sambalpur and Koraput towns should also be released, he said.

The Chief Minister requested Jaipal Reddy for allocation of suitable land for establishing an Orissa centre in New Delhi to showcase and promote the cultural heritage of the State. Reddy assured Naveen that he would favourably consider the proposals.