Figure 3.4: District Planning Board

The Additional districtmagistrate who works as the ex-officio Registrar for the district is vested with necessary powers under the Registration Act. The district treasury is located at Chhatrapur and there are ten Sub-Treasuries under it at Asika, Bhanjanagar, Kodala, Paralakhemundi, Sorada, R.Udayagiri, Buguda, Digapahandi, Hinjilicut and Chikiti. Besides, there is one special treasury at Brahmapur. These are manned by the officers belonging to the Odisha Finance Service. In absence of OFS officers, the officers belonging to OAS remain in-charge of treasury/sub-treasury.

Figure 3.4: District Planning Board

Town Planning exercise is being done on a human settlement to foster systematic and planned growth of the settlement with basic objective of ensuring the quality of life of all the species living in it. Besides, to conserve the ancient monuments, systematic disposal of solid and liquid waste, controlling development by building bye-laws, proposal for construction of arterial and sub arterial roads for smooth movement of vehicles, decentralizing the activities hubs like institutions / commercial are some of the important issues to be taken care of while proposing town planning exercise.

Out of (18) no of towns available with in the district of Ganjam, master plan for Brahmapur, Chatrapur, Gopalpur, Bhanjanagar, Hinjilicut, Bellaguntha, Aska, Digapahandi, Sorada, Rambha has been prepared. For other towns master plan has not been prepared. However proposal for extension of Odisha Town Planning and Improvement Trust Act 1956 on the towns like Chikiti, Ganjam has been moved to governmentand the same is not so for approved by government.The Urban planning exercise of urban areas of state are governed by two legislative Acts namely (I) Odisha Town Planning and Improvement Trust Act.1956 and (II) Odisha development Authority Act.1982.In the district of Ganjam, Brahampur, Chatrapur and Gopalpur city are governed by O.D.A.Act.1982 and other towns for which master plan has been prepared are governed by O.T.P. and I.T. Act.1956.

3.3 Climate, Physiography and Environment

3.3.1 Overview of Ganjam District Climate Ganjam district lies between 19º to 20º 17' N latitude and longitude lies between 84º 9' to 85º 11' E. Thus, it reflects an agro-based climatic condition of the district throughout the year and during all seasons. The climate of the district is pleasant and is characterised by an equable temperature all the year round particularly in the coastal regions and high humidity. The cold season from December to February, which is very pleasant, followed by the hot season from March to May. During the rains, which last from June to November, it is stingy but the heat is tempered 21 by the rains. The period from June to September is the south-west monsoon season, October and November constitute the post-monsoon transition period.