Odisha on transformative drive to create smart avenues for all sections of society: Naveen
Bhubaneswar, Jan 18 (FN Bureau) Odisha is now on a transformative drive to create smart avenues for all sections of society, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said. Addressing the three-day International Conclave on Urban Transformation through virtual mode here on Thursday, Patnaik said Odisha is recreating inclusive cities where no one is left behind. He said the land of Lord Jagannath, blessed with a rich heritage and adorned with beautiful temples, is now on a transformative drive to create smart avenues for all sections of society. “Our vision is the empowerment of communities. Our success is not just the physical transformation, but also the profound impact it has on urban life”, Naveen said.
The essence of this transformative journey is community led urban development under the 5T framework,he added. The Chief Minister said sanitation, once a silent struggle, now takes confident strides with dignity and “Our Drink from Tap’’ mission is a commitment to the people to take them to new heights of wellbeing. He further said “We firmly believe that community-led urban development is not just the story of Odisha but rather a global paradigm shift in the offing”. The International Conclave on Urban Transformation is a testament to our commitment, Patnaik said and extended a warm invitation to all to learn from our experiences, create their own stories, and collaborate to build a better urban future for all. He also urged all to embark on the journey to build vibrant and inclusive cities, where communities co-create their dreams, and every single voice is not just acknowledged but genuinely heard. Over 400 participants from 11 countries and 20 States of the country are participating in the First ever International conference on Urban transformation being conducted in Odisha. Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Usha Devi said Urban development initiatives in the state have made remarkable achievements with best practices, new partnership and collaboration for inclusive development fostering innovation in multiple sectors.
She said providing safe drinking water, sanitation, livelihood generation support through technological innovation in urban governance are some of our priorities. People centric, participatory and collective approach is our aim to bring quality of life in the cities,” the Minister said. Chief Secretary P K Jena said Odisha under the able government has given thrust on people centric and community led development. Urban growth, he said, is now a challenge not only in India, but also for other countries. Focusing on Odisha’s achievement in Land rights, the Chief Secretary said Jaga Mission is helping to bring quality of life to slum dwellers in providing them good housing and quality of life, internal road connectivity and basic amenities. Puri , he said became the first city in Odisha with 24X7 Drinking water under Drink from Tap mission and within 2 years the government is taking steps to cover all cities to have drinking water facilities., Inclusive Sanitation Policy-2024 was also launched in the conclave and a Coffee Table Book on Community Partnership in Urban Governance was released on the occasion.The three day conclave will deliberate on Water for all, Inclusive Sanitation and Waste Management, Community –Led Urban Transformation.