Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday outlined comprehensive long-term plans for urban development across the state at a two-day Collectors–SPs conference held at Lok Seva Bhawan’s Convention Center.
The plans aim to ensure slum-free, congestion-free cities and promote sustainable urban growth in line with national standards.
Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan and Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra attended the session, emphasising the need for planned urbanisation to accelerate economic growth.
Minister Harichandan urged district collectors to prepare development plans spanning 50 years or more and highlighted steps to reduce city congestion through bypass and ring roads. He also emphasised waste management initiatives, including the potential use of waste in road construction, and the development of integrated utility corridors for electricity, water, gas, telephone, and drainage systems.
Minister Mahapatra stressed the importance of slum-free urbanisation and provision of affordable housing for migrants settling in cities. He highlighted the expansion of Town Planning (TP) schemes to include areas adjacent to cities, ensuring roads, electricity, water supply, drainage, and other basic amenities for residents. He also called for regular inspections to prevent illegal activities and stressed waste management, construction of planned markets, and cowsheds for roaming cattle.
Principal Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, presented a detailed roadmap for planned urban development, including the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Region and integrated plans for Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, and Gopalpur. She highlighted key schemes such as “GARIMA” for sanitation worker safety and “SUJOG” online service system for suburban residents. She advised collectors to make urban areas kerb- and pedestrian-friendly by 2026.
The Puri District Magistrate, Dibya Jyoti Parida, shared the challenges and solutions for upgrading the historic city of Puri. Cuttack District Magistrate Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde talked about drainage problems in Cuttack and suggested solutions. Kendrapara District Magistrate Raghuram R. Iyer highlighted ongoing beautification work and future plans, including improving Pattamundai Canal Road to help control floods and boost tourism. Nuapada District Magistrate Madhusudan Dash spoke about successful initiatives on banning single-use plastics and managing waste in the district.
Kalahandi District Magistrate Sachin Pawar used the ‘Ama Shasana’ WhatsApp chatbot to inform citizens about services related to livelihood, social security, health, education, revenue, and other district programs.
The event was also attended by Vineet Bhardwaj, Director of Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, and Aboli Sunil Naravane, Director of Industries Department.
The conference concluded with a commitment from officials to ensure planned, sustainable, and inclusive urban development across Odisha, aligning with the state government’s vision of a developed Odisha by 2036.
