In a bold move to achieve garbage-free and clean urban landscapes across the state, the Odisha government has launched the ambitious “Swachha Odisha” state scheme.
The state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has greenlit an expenditure of Rs 1,600 crore for the initiative spanning the financial years 2025-26 to 2029-30.
This comprehensive program aims to streamline solid waste and wastewater management while providing crucial financial support to urban local bodies (ULBs) to excel in cleanliness drives.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja briefed the media following the 28th cabinet meeting, highlighting how the scheme consolidates ongoing initiatives under the Commerce and Transport Department and other sectors. These include the Rigid Solid Waste Management (State Scheme), Treated Wastewater Management (State Scheme), and Urban Septage System, among others. By integrating these efforts into a unified framework, “Swachha Odisha” will ensure seamless implementation, simplify funding disbursement, and enhance operational efficiency for ULBs. “This will make urban cleanliness programs more effective and result-oriented,” Ahuja stated.
Positioned as a complementary effort to the Swachh Bharat Mission, the scheme targets making every urban area in Odisha waste-free and pristine. It will bolster sanitation infrastructure, equip ULBs with financial and technical aid, and foster a cleaner, healthier environment for citizens. Over the five years, the Rs 1,600 crore budget allocation marks a significant step toward realising the state’s cleanliness goals, paving the way for sustainable urban development.
Benefits and Impact of the Scheme
The “Swachha Odisha” initiative promises to revolutionise waste management and sanitation in urban Odisha, making processes more efficient and transparent. ULBs will gain the capacity to adopt modern waste handling systems and wastewater treatment plants, accelerating the Swachh Bharat Mission’s objectives while promoting a culture of cleanliness statewide. This will not only improve residents’ quality of life but also advance Odisha’s vision of a “Developed Odisha” by 2030, ensuring greener, more livable cities for generations to come.
