Bhubaneswar, June 23, 2026: Noted urban expert and Member of the Committee on Administrative and Governance Reforms, Dr. O.P. Agarwal on Tuesday asked the Housing & Urban Development Department to adopt innovative and globally informed practices suited to local needs for future-ready cities in Odisha.
Gracing an interaction session hosted by the Odisha Urban Academy (OUA), Agarwal focused on sustainable urbanisation, climate resilience, and the development of future-ready cities in Odisha.
The discussion centred on strengthening urban governance, improving service delivery, and enhancing the capacity of Odisha’s growing urban centres to address the challenges of rapid urbanisation and climate change.
Dr. Agarwal highlighted the importance of strong institutions, skilled human resources, and evidence-based policymaking in building resilient and sustainable cities. He appreciated Odisha’s progress in urban infrastructure and service delivery while encouraging the adoption of innovative and globally informed practices suited to local needs.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Usha Padhee reiterated the State Government’s commitment to creating citizen-centric and climate-resilient urban ecosystems.
She emphasized the need for continuous investment in capacity building and highlighted the Odisha Urban Academy’s upgraded training and residential facilities, along with its demonstration units on sewage treatment, septage management, and resource recovery, as valuable assets for practical learning and professional development.
Participants also discussed modern approaches to capacity building, including hybrid training models, experiential learning, and benchmarking urban services against national and international best practices.
The interaction reflects Odisha Urban Academy’s ongoing efforts to strengthen municipal leadership and promote knowledge-driven urban development. With recent institutional enhancements and strategic collaborations, the Academy is steadily emerging as a leading centre for urban governance, innovation, and sustainable city management in India.
