“Odisha Inclusive Urban Sanitation Policy 2024” for Equitable Sanitation unveiled

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has officially launched the “Odisha Inclusive Urban Sanitation Policy 2024” on Sunday, with the primary objective of realizing the state’s vision for inclusive, equitable, safe, and sustainable sanitation services accessible to all.

The policy is strategically crafted to integrate the sanitation value chain with modern concepts such as circular economy practices, community partnership, disaster resilience, and urban-rural convergence. As per a gazette notification from the Housing and Urban Development Department, the policy will come into effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

This initiative aligns with the Swachh Odisha, Sustha Odisha movement, where the Odisha Government has undertaken various urban sanitation initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, decentralizing governance, and fostering innovative community partnerships. The newly unveiled policy builds on the success of previous sanitation policies and introduces a more comprehensive, informed, and inclusive framework for urban sanitation.

The Odisha Inclusive Urban Sanitation Policy acknowledges the need for addressing climate change issues and advocates for climate-resilient infrastructure and communities. It also emphasizes gender-transformative outcomes, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.2 on Sanitation and Hygiene and the United Nations Human Right to Sanitation (2015). The policy is a reflection of the state’s commitment to achieving and sustaining sanitation outcomes through inclusive approaches, as envisioned by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

This forward-looking policy aims to expedite efforts to establish inclusive, participatory, sustainable, and accountable sanitation processes and structures. It underscores the importance of improved service delivery outcomes for the entire urban population in the state, ensuring that no one is left behind in the quest for a cleaner and healthier Odisha.