Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving urban living standards while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for residents.
With an urban population of approximately 80 lakh, nearly 25% of Odisha’s city dwellers live in slums. Despite residing in urban areas, many still lack access to basic amenities and proper housing.
During a meeting at Lokseva Bhawan, Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, presented a detailed proposal for the development of slum areas and the enhancement of urban living conditions.
The plan includes the creation of land banks to provide housing for the urban poor, alongside the establishment of essential infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water supply, Anganwadi centers, schools, parks, and open spaces.
Chief Minister Majhi envisions transforming slum areas into model residential zones, where citizens can live with dignity and enjoy access to necessary amenities. To ensure effective implementation, Majhi has called for the preparation of a dedicated action plan.
The meeting saw the participation of key officials, including Minister for Housing and Urban Development Krushna Chandra Mohapatra, Principal Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Vice Chairman of the BDA N. Thirumala Naik, and Commissioner of the BMC Rajesh Prabhakar Patil.
