Odisha to Host Urban Conclave 2025 to Shape Vision for ‘Viksit Odisha @2036’
Two-day event to focus on sustainable urban development, digital governance, and citizen-centric growth
Bhubaneswar : The Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department of Odisha is set to host the Odisha Urban Conclave–2025, a two-day flagship event on the theme “Sustainable Urban Development & Governance – Towards Viksit Odisha @2036 and Viksit Bharat @2047”, beginning October 23. The conclave will serve as a platform for all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of the state to deliberate on strengthening urban governance, improving service delivery, and driving sustainable city growth.
According to departmental sources, the event will mark a significant milestone in Odisha’s roadmap toward Viksit Odisha @2036—a vision of a developed, equitable, and future-ready state—and contribute to the larger national goal of Viksit Bharat @2047.
A Convergence for Urban Transformation
The conclave will be inaugurated by Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra and will witness participation from senior government officials, representatives of urban institutions, and delegates from ULBs across the state. It aims to encourage dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders working to transform Odisha’s cities into vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable urban centres.
Speaking about the event, Minister Mohapatra said, “Odisha’s cities are not merely engines of economic growth but reflections of our collective aspirations. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, we are committed to building sustainable, resilient, and citizen-centric urban ecosystems.”
The minister added that the conclave would provide a strategic opportunity to evaluate the progress made under existing urban programmes and chart a clear path forward for the next decade.
Focus on Governance, Infrastructure, and Innovation
H&UD Principal Secretary Usha Padhee said the Odisha Urban Conclave–2025 has been envisioned as a collaborative and interactive platform where all urban local bodies can share experiences, innovations, and best practices. “Our focus is on strengthening local institutions, enhancing service delivery, and promoting digital transformation for effective, transparent, and citizen-first governance,” she said.
The event will emphasize several key areas of urban transformation, including improving core infrastructure such as roads, drainage systems, and public amenities, enhancing water supply and sanitation networks, and adopting technology-driven systems for better citizen engagement. Special focus will be placed on digital governance initiatives such as SUJOG, ORTPSA, OSWAS, and the Integrated Call Centre (1929)—platforms designed to make civic services more accessible and accountable.
Deliberations will also explore how to empower ULBs both financially and administratively, allowing them to play a greater role in planning and implementing local development projects. Discussions will include strategies for improving revenue generation, efficient fund utilization, and capacity-building initiatives for urban institutions.
A Platform for Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Each Urban Local Body will be represented by the Project Director of DUDA, the Municipal Commissioner or Executive Officer, and a Municipal Engineer (Assistant or Junior Engineer). Through technical sessions, experience-sharing panels, and interactive workshops, the conclave will encourage ULBs to learn from one another’s successes and challenges.
Padhee noted that the event’s design is rooted in collaboration and innovation. “The Odisha Urban Conclave–2025 is envisioned as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and joint planning. It reaffirms the state’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and people-centric urban governance,” she said.
Building Future-Ready Cities
With rapid urbanization posing both challenges and opportunities, Odisha aims to leverage this conclave to redefine its urban strategy—one that aligns with global sustainability goals while remaining grounded in local needs. The event will highlight the state’s progress in digital transformation, waste management, housing, and urban mobility, while setting the stage for next-generation reforms that make cities more livable and resilient.
By bringing together policymakers, administrators, and urban practitioners under one roof, the Odisha Urban Conclave–2025 seeks to establish a shared vision for modern, green, and citizen-focused urban growth, contributing directly to the larger developmental aspirations of both Viksit Odisha @2036 and Viksit Bharat @2047.
