Odisha Focuses on Strategic Land Use to Drive Sustainable Urbanisation

Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at strengthening the foundation of sustainable urban growth, the Housing & Urban Development Department convened a high-level session on urban land management at Kharavela Bhawan, highlighting land as a critical strategic resource in Odisha’s journey towards a ‘Viksit Odisha’.

The session featured a detailed presentation by Hari Ballav Mishra, who drew upon his extensive administrative experience to explain the evolving legal, administrative, and policy frameworks governing urban land management in the state.

Setting the tone for the discussions, Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department and Chairperson of Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation, emphasized that informed and strategic land management is key to building future-ready cities. She stressed the importance of understanding land classifications, regulatory systems, and innovative approaches such as land value capture to unlock the full potential of urban land assets.

The session delved into various land categories prevalent in Odisha, including Nazul, Khasmahal, Government Khas Possession (GKPB), and leasehold lands, with a focus on their optimal utilisation amid rapid urbanisation.

Senior officials, including Arindam Dakua, along with Additional Secretaries, Collectors, Municipal Commissioners, and officers from Revenue and General Administration Departments, participated in the discussions both in person and virtually.

During the session, Mishra shared practical insights into legal and administrative challenges, highlighting the need for clarity in legacy land classifications and adaptability in policy frameworks to meet emerging urban demands.

A key highlight of the deliberations was the emphasis on land value capture as a sustainable financing mechanism for urban infrastructure. Participants discussed strategies to leverage land resources for planned development, improved service delivery, and long-term economic growth.

Reaffirming its commitment to capacity building and institutional strengthening, the department underscored the importance of continued knowledge-sharing initiatives to ensure transparent, efficient, and sustainable urban land management across Odisha.