Odisha advances urban reforms through ANKUR initiative

Bhubaneswar: In a major step toward sustainable and future-ready cities, Principal Secretary, H&UD, Usha Padhee chaired a high-level meeting on the Atal Network for Knowledge, Urbanisation & Reforms (ANKUR)—a transformative initiative aimed at fostering urban innovation, collaboration, and good governance.

The meeting brought together senior officials, urban experts, and partner organizations to strategize Odisha’s urban development in alignment with the broader vision of Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Discussions focused on accelerating urban growth, alleviating poverty, strengthening infrastructure resilience, and promoting inclusive governance—key pillars of sustainable urbanisation.

Padhee highlighted the importance of policy innovation and knowledge-sharing, emphasizing ANKUR’s role in bridging expertise, fostering partnerships, and implementing forward-thinking urban solutions.

The initiative seeks to enhance data-driven decision-making, smart governance, and community participation, ensuring cities are efficient, equitable, and climate-resilient.

With a clear roadmap for scaling best practices, strengthening institutions, and leveraging technology, ANKUR is poised to be a catalyst for transformative urban reforms. The initiative will drive capacity-building, sustainable infrastructure, and digital interventions, accelerating Odisha’s urban evolution.

Reaffirming its commitment to innovation-led urban growth, Odisha is paving the way for cities that are engines of progress, inclusivity, and sustainability.