A high-level meeting on improving sanitation in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) was chaired by Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister for Housing & Urban Development. The meeting tackled pressing sanitation issues and proposed innovative solutions for urban areas in Odisha.
During the meeting, the progress of Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant establishment in five Municipal Corporations, as well as the Puri-Konark and Boudhgarh-Sonepur Clusters, was reviewed. Dr. Mahapatra emphasized the need to accelerate work in these areas. He also proposed the setup of integrated waste processing complexes to optimize costs by consolidating various waste management facilities.
A key focus was the urgent refurbishment of old and non-functional public toilets and e-toilets under Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation. Additionally, officials were instructed to expedite garbage processing at the Temporary Transit Station (TTS) near Sainik School and operationalize the mega waste processing centre in Palasuni.
Highlighting the role of technology, the Minister suggested developing a dedicated digital application for sanitation monitoring across all Municipal Corporations and selected Municipalities. This app would integrate seamlessly with the SUJOG portal under the Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department, enhancing overall efficiency.
The Principal Secretary, H&UD Department, Smt. Usha Padhee proposed introducing a model agreement to facilitate partnerships with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for maintaining public toilets and delivering urban services. This underscores the importance of involving communities in the state’s sanitation improvement efforts.
The meeting, held at the 3rd Floor Conference Hall of Kharabela Bhawan, was attended by Dthe irector of Municipal Administration, Arindam Dakua, Additional Secretary Binay Dash, and representatives from development partners, among others.
