Bhubaneswar: Odisha has historically experienced a lower rate of urbanization compared to the national average. While the national urbanization rate stands at 36percent Odisha’s urbanization is at 18%. In contrast, neighboring states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have urbanization rates of 25percent and 23percent, respectively, and states like Gujarat, Kerala, and Telangana have rates of 42percent, 47percent, and 48%, respectively. This disparity is attributed to the previous government’s limited focus on urban development over the past 24 years, often making unfulfilled promises of establishing new Notified Area Councils (NACs) during elections.
However, the current government has initiated steps to enhance urbanization. The process to establish new urban areas has begun, with applications being solicited from public representatives. The government plans to announce new NACs soon, upgrade some NACs to municipalities, and elevate certain municipalities to municipal corporations. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, has indicated that these measures aim to accelerate urban development in the state.
In terms of budget allocations, the government has earmarked Rs150 crore for municipal administration. To expand urban areas, over 50 new NACs and five new municipalities are proposed. Additionally, the government plans to provide an extra Rs1 lakh per house under housing schemes. There is also an initiative to deploy 400 electric buses across various cities, with Rs1,100 crore allocated for urban peripheral development. The government aims to achieve 100% household tap connections in 115 urban local bodies, with Rs733 crore allocated under the Sujala scheme. Sewerage and water drainage projects have been assigned to WATCO in five cities, including Puri, Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, Sambalpur, and Cuttack, with the goal of completing pending sewerage work by 2027-28, backed by a Rs340 crore allocation.
Furthermore, the government is addressing staffing shortages in the Housing and Urban Development Department, where only 35percent of positions are currently filled. Efforts are underway to fill these vacancies to ensure the effective implementation of urban development projects.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to accelerating urbanization and improving infrastructure in Odisha, aiming to bridge the gap with national urbanization levels and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
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