Bhubaneswar to Guide Five Odisha Cities in Sanitation Drive Under National Programme

Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to urban sanitation efforts, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been selected as a mentor city under the Swachh Shehar Jodi programme.

The initiative, part of a nationwide campaign involving 75 mentor cities, aims to elevate sanitation standards through collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

BMC will guide five urban local bodies (ULBs) in Odisha—Kendrapada, Deogarh, Bargarh, Pattamundai, and Joda—over a 100-day action plan focused on visible cleanliness, citizen engagement, and measurable outcomes.

The programme is expected to enhance Swachh Bharat survey rankings for both mentor and mentee cities.

In parallel, the Odisha government has announced a major waste-to-energy project at Palasuni, Bhubaneswar.

The facility will process 1,000–2,000 tonnes of daily waste from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Jatni, and nearby municipalities, converting it into up to 25 MW of renewable energy.

The plant will also include biogas composting and briquette/charcoal units.

Meanwhile, a dramatic wildlife moment unfolded in Bhitarakanika National Park, where a 20-foot saltwater crocodile was spotted hunting a wild boar. The rare sighting has sparked renewed interest in preserving Odisha’s rich mangrove ecosystems.