Bhubaneswar and Puri have been officially selected among 50 cities nationwide under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) PRAGATI 50 Initiative.
Part of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0), this recognition highlights the state’s continuous strides in advanced sanitation and scientific waste management.
The national initiative was launched virtually today under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar. During the launch, the Union Minister interacted with Odisha’s Minister for Housing & Urban Development, Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, alongside Additional Chief Secretary Smt. Usha Padhee.
Focus on Waste-to-Value and Model Sanitation
During the high-level interaction, Dr Mahapatra emphasised Odisha’s pioneering projects in waste-to-value solutions. Key highlights include:
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Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Plants: Setting up plants in Bhubaneswar, Kataka, and Puri with support from Oil India’s CSR.
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Waste-to-Charcoal Initiatives: Active implementation of charcoal conversion projects in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
The PRAGATI 50 initiative will transform Bhubaneswar—the state capital—and Puri—a global spiritual hub—into Model Sanitation Cities through rigorous monitoring, structured handholding, and expedited execution of solid and used water management. Both cities will serve as benchmarks of excellence for other urban local bodies across 24 states and UTs.
Commitment to Clean Growth
Reaffirming the state’s dedication, Dr Mahapatra stated that the Housing & Urban Development Department, in tandem with the Bhubaneswar and Puri Municipal Corporations, will execute targeted interventions mapped against strict Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This initiative marks another vital leap forward in Odisha’s mission to champion sustainable, clean, and futuristic urban ecosystems.
