Puri, June 25: The Odisha Housing & Urban Development Department successfully organized the State-Level Urban Public Relations and Citizen Participation Programme at the Town Hall of Puri Municipal Corporation on Wednesday.
The programme served as a platform to strengthen citizen engagement and showcase the remarkable achievements of the urban sector over the past two years.
Housing & Urban Development Minister, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra formally launched the department’s special publication, “Vikashara Dhara, Odisha Sara” (Double growth in two years).
The booklet highlights the transformative initiatives undertaken across Odisha’s urban areas during the last two years, covering major advancements in urban infrastructure, sanitation, drinking water supply, housing, mobility, citizen-centric services, and welfare programmes. It presents a comprehensive account of the State Government’s efforts to build inclusive, resilient, and future-ready cities.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mahapatra emphasized that effective public relations and active citizen participation are essential for achieving sustainable urban development.
He stated that urban transformation can become more meaningful and impactful when citizens actively contribute to planning, implementation, and monitoring of development initiatives.
The programme was graced by Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, and Arindam Dakua, Director, Municipal Administration, Sneha Orugula, Commissioner Puri Muncipal Corpporation along with senior officials of the department, representatives of Puri Municipal Corporation, elected representatives, and a large number of citizens.
