A high-level World Bank delegation visited Bhubaneswar today and reviewed Odisha’s flagship urban initiatives under the Housing & Urban Development Department.
Principal Secretary Smt. Usha Padhee welcomed the team and then presented Odisha’s Urbanisation & Development Road Map. She highlighted progress in water supply, sanitation, urban mobility, affordable housing, and governance reforms.
The delegation included Mr. Johannes Zutt (Regional Vice President), Mr. Imad Fakhoury (Director), Ms. Keiko Inoue (South Asia Practice Manager, Education), Ms. Aparnaa Somanathan (South Asia Practice Manager, Health & Social Protection), Ms. Soumya Kapoor Mehta (Senior Economist), and Ms. Kritika Singh (Country Management Team).
During discussions at Kharavel Bhawan, the team engaged with senior officials and acknowledged Odisha’s data-driven and outcome-oriented approach to urban reforms. Furthermore, they appreciated the state’s emphasis on measurable results.
Later, the delegation visited Palasuni and observed sanitation best practices. They examined the 150-TPD Material Recovery Facility, coconut-waste recycling, water treatment, and community-linked waste management. In addition, they interacted with Swachh Karmis and Women Self-Help Groups, appreciating community participation in environmental stewardship and decentralised sanitation.
Afterwards, the team visited Nilamadhab Niwas and held a dialogue with beneficiaries of the Affordable Housing project. Residents shared experiences of improved housing, better amenities, and livelihood opportunities after relocation.
The delegation also recognised Odisha’s achievements in Drink-From-Tap 24×7 water supply, CRUT public transport, last-mile connectivity through Odisha Yatri e-rides, digital service delivery via SUJOG, and the GARIMA framework for sanitation workers’ safety and dignity.
Finally, the team praised Odisha’s focus on inclusivity, scale, and social impact. They expressed interest in deeper collaboration on urban resilience, sanitation, housing, and governance. The visit concluded with a shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive urban development.
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