Bhubaneswar, October 27: The Government of Odisha is stepping up efforts to reshape the state’s urban landscape through ANKUR (Atal Network for Knowledge, Urbanisation and Reform), a flagship initiative designed to strengthen urban governance, empower Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and accelerate sustainable, inclusive and citizen-centric urban development.

Marking a significant step towards collaborative urban transformation, the ANKUR Partners’ Handbook was released by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on October 24 during the Urban Mobility India Conference and the National Urban Conclave 2026 in Bhubaneswar recently. The handbook showcases the initiative’s framework, strategic partnerships and interventions to address emerging urban challenges.

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Conceptualised by Additional Chief Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Usha Padhee, ANKUR was formally launched by the State Government on May 28, 2025. Aligned with the visions of Viksit Odisha @2036 and Viksit Bharat @2047, the initiative connects government priorities with specialised knowledge, research, innovation and practical implementation support.

ANKUR brings together government institutions, academic organisations, technical experts, civil society and private-sector partners to develop practical solutions to the evolving challenges of urbanisation.

The initiative has brought together 11 strategic partner organisations with expertise in urban governance, municipal finance, digital services, livelihoods, environmental sustainability and urban planning. These include Tata Steel Foundation, Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, Urban Management Centre, eGov Foundation, Lighthouse Communities Foundation, UN-Habitat, Prosperiti, Air Pollution Action Group, Airawat Research Foundation, Socratus Foundation and WRI India.

The release of the Partners’ Handbook during UMI–NUC 2026 provides an opportunity to showcase this framework and strengthen knowledge exchange among urban stakeholders. By bringing together government leadership, institutional expertise and practical innovation, ANKUR aims to build stronger municipal institutions and improve the quality, accessibility and responsiveness of urban services.