Odisha Urban Boost: CM Mohan Majhi Launches Projects Worth Rs 323 Crore
CM Mohan Majhi unveils 593 urban development projects across 62 areas in Odisha to build prosperous and inclusive cities.
In a massive push toward modernizing the state's city infrastructure, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has launched 593 urban development projects valued at Rs 323 crore. These initiatives, spanning across 62 urban areas, were unveiled during the state-level Local Self-Government Day celebrations in Bhubaneswar.
A Blueprint for 'Samruddha Odisha'
Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi emphasized that the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) is inextricably linked to a 'Samruddha Odisha' (Prosperous Odisha). He noted that the foundation of this prosperity lies in creating cities that are not only economically vibrant but also safe, clean, inclusive, and well-planned.
The Chief Minister highlighted a significant shift in the state's demographics, revealing that the number of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) has grown from 115 to 143. With urban migration on the rise, projections suggest that 40% of Odisha's population will reside in urban centers by 2036, a figure expected to climb to nearly 60% by 2047.
Breakdown of the Development Package
The Chief Minister’s Urban Development Scheme is being rolled out with a strategic mix of completed and upcoming works:
- Inaugurations: 423 projects worth Rs 102 crore have already been completed and inaugurated.
- New Foundations: Foundation stones were laid for 170 additional projects valued at Rs 221 crore.
Strengthening Governance and Technology
To bridge the gap between the administration and the citizens, CM Majhi introduced several technological and administrative upgrades:
- OSWAN Video Conferencing: This facility is being launched across 115 ULBs to ensure faster and more efficient communication between the state government and local bodies.
- PMAY-Bandhu: The Chief Minister officially launched the 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Bandhu' programme to streamline housing support.
- Academic Partnerships: To enhance research and capacity in urban planning, MoUs have been signed between the Odisha Urban Academy and prestigious institutions, including Sri Sri University, the Indian School of Business (ISB), the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), and CRUT.
Social Welfare and Environmental Responsibility
The CM also shed light on the 'Sahayog' scheme, which has shown impressive results. As of August 28, the scheme has successfully linked 2,77,595 individuals and 7,886 families to various government welfare programs, completing a total of 2,85,481 scheme linkages.
However, the Chief Minister warned that growth must not come at the cost of nature. He called for environmentally responsible urbanization, urging a focus on:
- Protection of water bodies and water conservation.
- Expansion of green spaces.
- Efficient rainwater and waste management.
- Adoption of clean energy.
A Call to Action for Leaders and Citizens
CM Majhi urged local representatives—including Mayors, Chairpersons, and Councillors—to maintain a close bond with the public, listen to their grievances, and coordinate with officials for timely resolutions. He remarked, “When governance comes closer to the people, development becomes more meaningful.”
Finally, the Chief Minister appealed to the citizens of Odisha to play their part in this transformation by paying municipal taxes on time, protecting public property, and maintaining the cleanliness of their cities.