ULBs Asked To Strengthen Sanitation, Revenue Generation Ahead Of Monsoon

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s urban governance framework, infrastructure expansion and delivery of civic services came under extensive review during a state-level conference of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) chaired by Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department Usha Padhee on Thursday.

Held through virtual mode, the meeting brought together Commissioners and Executive Officers of ULBs from across the state along with senior officials of WATCO, PHEO, CRUT, PMAY-U, OUHM and other agencies to assess implementation of major urban development programmes.

Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, who joined the review through video conferencing, stressed the need for efficient and citizen-focused urban administration. He directed all ULBs to undertake immediate cleaning of drains and strengthen sanitation measures ahead of the monsoon season to avoid urban flooding and waterlogging.

The Minister also instructed officials to prepare standardised designs for welcome gates in newly declared Notified Area Councils (NACs) to create a uniform urban identity. Emphasising financial reforms, he asked urban bodies to reduce dependence on traditional revenue streams and formulate plans to achieve at least 50 per cent self-sustainability through alternative income-generation mechanisms.

To improve administrative efficiency, Dr. Mahapatra directed ULBs to implement digitised personnel databases and mandatory monthly performance reporting systems for staff members.

Addressing the conference, Usha Padhee highlighted the importance of transparent, accountable and technology-enabled governance in shaping Odisha’s urban future. She called for integrated planning by linking sanitation, waste management, housing, water supply, green infrastructure and Smart City projects under a unified urban development approach.

She also urged urban local bodies to strengthen institutional capacity and project preparedness to avail benefits under the Government of India’s Urban Challenge Fund, which has an outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore. ULBs were encouraged to explore Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models, institutional financing and innovative funding approaches for urban infrastructure projects.

During the review, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua discussed measures related to municipal revenue generation, assessment systems and performance monitoring of ULBs. Discussions also focused on improving own-source revenue and strengthening financial sustainability.

The meeting reviewed the implementation of Mukhyamantri Sahari Vikas Yojana (MSBY) and the Rural Urban Transition Policy (RUTP), with emphasis on planned urban expansion and balanced development in fast-growing regions.

Officials also discussed financial management practices and utilisation of Central Finance Commission (CFC) and State Finance Commission (SFC) grants. ULBs were advised to maintain financial discipline and ensure transparency in expenditure management.

Urban water supply and infrastructure development under the SUJAL Mission also featured prominently in the discussions. Officials reviewed efforts to provide 24×7 “Drink From Tap” facilities and expand piped water supply coverage across urban areas.

The post-lunch session focused on the SAHAJOG initiative and “Waste to Wealth” strategies for scientific waste management and resource recovery. The meeting stressed the need for community participation, behavioural change and sustainable waste processing systems to improve urban sanitation.

Progress under Solid Waste Management, Liquid Waste Management and GARIMA schemes was also reviewed, with emphasis on waste segregation, scientific disposal systems and welfare measures for sanitation workers.

Affordable housing projects under PMAY (Urban) and PMAY (Urban) 2.0 were reviewed, while discussions were also held on strengthening newly formed ULBs, improving urban mobility systems and expanding Smart LED street lighting infrastructure.

Concluding the conference, Padhee directed all urban local bodies to ensure timely implementation of projects, adopt innovative governance practices and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to achieve sustainable, resilient and inclusive urban development across Odisha.