Bhubaneswar :Odisha Minister for Housing & Urban Development, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting at the Odisha Urban Academy, outlining an ambitious and time-bound roadmap for future-ready urban Odisha aligned with the vision of “Viksit Odisha @2036.”
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Ms. Usha Padhee, and Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua.
At the outset, the Minister emphasized that the true measure of success for the department lies not merely in infrastructure creation, but in its ability to bring visible improvements in the quality of life, livelihoods, and economic resilience of urban citizens.
Reviewing financial performance, he noted that nearly 98% of the allocated budget has already been utilized and stressed the importance of ensuring that this expenditure translates into tangible outcomes at the grassroots level.
A major highlight of the review was the Minister’s announcement of the ambitious “A Roof for All” initiative, which aims to provide housing coverage to 80% of the urban population by 2036. The programme is set to be launched initially in Rourkela, with plans for phased expansion to other cities.
The Minister reviewed the Town Planning Scheme, which adopts a land pooling model to enable systematic development. Under this approach, 40% of the land is earmarked for essential public infrastructure such as roads, drainage, and civic amenities, while 60% of the developed land is returned to the original landowners. This model is expected to promote organized growth, minimize disputes, and ensure the creation of well-serviced urban areas.
The Minister also reviewed progress under the Chief Minister’s Smart City Scheme, under which 49 cities have been identified for development in the first phase.
Highlighting the critical importance of urban flood management, the Minister, while briefing the media after the review meeting, informed that a comprehensive Drainage Master Plan is being undertaken to provide a long-term and sustainable solution to waterlogging and stormwater management in major urban areas.
Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra stated that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have already been prepared and necessary funds have been allocated for priority interventions. In particular, he announced that the Gangua Nala and Daya West Canal will be taken up for early rejuvenation. The works will be executed in close coordination between the Housing & Urban Development Department and the Water Resources (Irrigation) Department to ensure an integrated and effective outcome.
Alongside this, he emphasized strengthening urban safety and mobility through the installation of CCTV surveillance systems and the implementation of intelligent traffic management solutions.
He also directed that the 28 newly constituted Urban Local Bodies be made fully operational at the earliest to ensure effective delivery of civic services.
The Minister also underscored the importance of developing community-centric infrastructure, directing officials to expedite the construction of market complexes, community halls, and cremation and burial facilities.
