Odisha urban development projects worth Rs 323 crore are being launched across 62 urban areas, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced. He made the announcement during the state-level Local Self-Government Day programme in Bhubaneswar on November 7.
The programme also featured the launch of digital governance initiatives and housing support measures. Furthermore, the state outlined plans to strengthen urban planning, institutional capacity and public services.
Majhi said Odisha’s Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) had increased from 115 to 143. He also projected that urban areas would accommodate around 40 per cent of the state’s population by 2036. This share could reach nearly 60 per cent by 2047.
Odisha urban development projects cover 593 works
Under the Chief Minister’s Urban Development Scheme, the state is taking up 593 projects across 62 urban areas. Their combined value stands at Rs 323 crore.
Of these, the government inaugurated 423 projects worth Rs 102 crore. Additionally, it laid foundation stones for 170 projects worth Rs 221 crore.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the Sahayog scheme’s progress. As of August 28, it had connected 7,886 families and 2,77,595 individuals with government welfare schemes.
The programme recorded 2,85,481 scheme linkages during this period. These figures reflect the initiative’s coverage across beneficiary households and individuals.
Odisha signs MoUs to strengthen urban planning
The state signed several agreements to strengthen urban research, knowledge-sharing and institutional capacity.
These agreements involve:
- Odisha Urban Academy and Sri Sri University.
- Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) and Sri Sri University.
- Odisha Urban Academy and Indian School of Business (ISB).
- Odisha Urban Academy and National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).
Meanwhile, the government is introducing the OSWAN Video Conferencing facility across 115 ULBs. The facility aims to improve communication between the state government and urban local bodies.
Majhi also launched the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Bandhu programme during the event.
CM calls for sustainable and inclusive urbanisation
Majhi said the vision of Viksit Bharat depended on a Samruddha Odisha. He added that prosperous cities would require safe, clean, inclusive and economically vibrant urban centres.
He urged Mayors, Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons, Corporators and Councillors to remain connected with residents. Furthermore, he asked elected representatives to understand public concerns and coordinate with officials for time-bound solutions.
The Chief Minister also stressed environmentally responsible urbanisation. He highlighted water-body protection, green spaces, rainwater harvesting, waste management and clean energy.
Additionally, he urged citizens to conserve water, keep public spaces clean and pay municipal taxes on time. He also called for protecting public property.
“When governance comes closer to the people, development becomes more meaningful,” Majhi said.
He called for collective efforts to build clean, safe, healthy, accessible, inclusive, digital and prosperous cities. “Prosperous cities are the foundation of a prosperous Odisha,” he added.
