Bhubaneswar: City's drainage problems, drinking water, transportation, etc. across all the ULBs in the State are the first priority to meet the expectations of the people. It is our responsibility to do the people's work by maintaining good relations with everyone, said Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, newly-appointed Minister for Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) & Public Enterprise.

This morning he visited the site of the drain tragedy. We will work to take the city development forward. The Urban Development Department has important roles to play in building a developed Odisha, Dr Mahapatra added.

Worth mentioning, a minor boy died after being swept away in an open drain at Masjid Conly in Unit III area in the capital city yesterday afternoon.  Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condoled the loss of life and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of the kin of the deceased.

Earlier in the day, he visited the H&UD department at Kharabela Bhawan. While going round the department he interacted on key issues and initiatives with the officers and staff. Upon his arrival at Kharabela Bhawan, Dr. Mahapatra was warmly received by the Additional Chief Secretary of H&UD along with other senior officers.

The Minister's engagement with the department's personnel underscores a hands-on approach to addressing urban development challenges and improving administrative efficiency.

After the discussions at Kharabela Bhawan, Dr. Mahapatra visited the State Urban Development Agency. It provided an opportunity to evaluate the agency’s current projects, strategies, and any issues that need addressing to ensure the effectiveness of urban development initiatives.