Bhubaneswar: The two-day Odisha Urban Conclave – 2025, organised by the Housing & Urban Development Department, concluded today with a collective resolve to build vibrant, sustainable, and people-centric cities across the State.
Delivering the valedictory address, Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, H&UD Department, outlined Odisha’s vision to position Rourkela and Bhubaneswar among the top 100 global cities. She emphasised the need for private investment, leveraging smart city experience, and optimising human and technological resources to achieve the State’s long-term vision of Viksit Odisha – 2036 and Viksit Bharat – 2047.
Padhee urged officers and urban functionaries to work with cooperation and collective spirit, ensuring effective implementation of projects and better service delivery through close coordination with departmental verticals.
Arindam Dakua, Director, Municipal Administration, highlighted key departmental priorities and flagship programmes such as Mukhyamantri Saharika Basera Yojana (MSBY), AMRUT, Pothole-Free Urban Odisha, Pedestrian Path Development, and Strengthening Own Source Revenue (OSR) — all aimed at improving infrastructure, mobility, and the financial sustainability of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
The Conclave also featured thematic sessions on Urban Housing, Water Supply, Sanitation, and Infrastructure Development, where best practices under PMAY-U, SUJAL Mission, SBM(U), and GARIMA were showcased. Outstanding ULBs and officers were felicitated for innovative practices promoting cleaner, greener, and more inclusive cities.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work collectively towards a Vibrant Urban Odisha — through innovation, citizen partnership, and sustainable urban governance.
