Bhubaneswar, October 23: The two-day Odisha Urban Conclave-2025 began here with the vision of steering Odisha’s cities towards a smarter, inclusive, and sustainable urban future.
Being hosted by the Housing & Urban Development Department, the conclave under the theme "Collaborate. Build. Progress," is a strategic initiative aligned with the long-term developmental goals of a Viksit Odisha by 2036 and Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mohapatra inaugurated the conclave. The conclave also brings together key stakeholders from Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Government departments, policy institutions, urban planners, technology providers, financial institutions, civil society, and academic experts.
“Sustainable urban infrastructure, efficient service delivery, and empowered local governance are crucial in building vibrant urban centres,” said Mohapatra.
He also lauded the efforts of ULBs in implementing flagship schemes and encouraged greater innovation and inter-city learning.
Department Secretary Usha Padhee highlighted the State’s comprehensive urban development roadmap and the importance of collaborative governance, citizen-centric planning, and technological adoption to achieve future-ready cities.
The sessions of the conclave were structured around pressing urban challenges and emerging opportunities, including
• Urban Governance & Infrastructure Development: Strengthening institutional capacities, transparency, and service delivery mechanisms in ULBs.
• Urban Planning & Mobility: Integrated planning, transit-oriented development, and inclusive urban mobility solutions.
• e-Governance & SAHAJOG: Leveraging digital platforms to enhance administrative efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement under the SAHAJOG initiative.
• Financial Management in ULBs: Strategies for improving municipal finance, revenue generation, budget transparency, and creditworthiness of cities.
• PM SVANidhi & Urban Livelihoods: Scaling up implementation of the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme and other livelihood initiatives to empower urban informal workers.
• Urban Housing, Sanitation & Water Supply: Focus on affordable housing, inclusive sanitation practices, and ensuring universal access to safe drinking water.
Speaking at the event, dignitaries underlined the importance of cross-sector collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and resilient infrastructure in building cities of the future. Participants reiterated the need for aligning Odisha’s urban mission with national and global sustainability goals.
The Odisha Urban Conclave 2025 serves as a vibrant platform for knowledge-sharing, partnership-building, and policy dialogue, aiming to accelerate Odisha’s journey towards inclusive and sustainable urbanisation. It marks a critical milestone in reaffirming the State’s commitment to creating citizen-first, future-ready cities. Municipal Commissioners, Executive Officers, Engineers of all ULBs have participated.
Municipal Administration Director Arindam Dakua Director also spoke.
