Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government today emphasised to develop Bhubaneswar into a global city. At the same time, priority was given to urban development across Odisha in a high-level meeting held here, which was chaired by Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krishnachandra Mohapatra.

The Minister instructed the departmental officers to prevent artificial flooding in urban areas and give maximum importance to water drainage system. During a review of various plans and programs of the department, he directed the officials concerned to give priority to urban development.

As urban development is essential for Odisha and the State is to be developed with the goal of a developed India, various NAC, Municipalities and Corporations of the State need to be made more active. The Minister advised to develop the Odisha Capital as a global model and focus on infrastructure and urban development of the entire State.

People's welfare should be emphasised along with the development work. Budgeting will be done judiciously without unnecessary expenditure. Efforts will also be made to complete the metro project on a schedule timeline, the Minister stated.

Housing & Urban Development Additional Chief Secretary G. Mathivathanan made a presentation on the ‘Successful Journey in Urban Development’ and detailed the achievements of various schemes and programs of the Department. He informed about Odisha's national recognition in the field of solid waste management, Odisha’s good performance at the national level in the cleanliness survey index, the progress of metro rail project etc.

The Additional Chief Secretary also said that Odisha is the only state in the country to implement the ‘Drink from Tap’ scheme. Similarly, 179 food centers in 115 urban areas are managed by the women self-help groups (WSHGs), while Odisha has received global recognition for its innovation in free food schemes.

The Minister directed to solve water logging and drainage problems in cities like Bhubaneswar on a priority basis. On the direction of the Minister, a guideline has been issued by the department regarding rainwater and floodwater management in urban areas. All Municipality officials of the State have been advised to strictly comply with it.

In the context of the recent outbreak of Jaundice in Sambalpur, Minister Dr. Mahapatra directed the CEO, WATCO to go for immediate inquiry on water quality there.

Special Administrative Secretary and BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Municipal Director Sangramjit Naik, and other senior officials were present in the meeting.