Odisha Charts Vision for Future-Ready, Climate-Resilient Cities at Urban Policy Dialogues 2025
Odisha has outlined an ambitious vision for building future-ready, climate-resilient, and citizen-centric cities during the Urban Policy Dialogues 2025, organised by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements.
Speaking at a panel on India’s brewing stranded asset crisis, Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, emphasised that urban investments must be future-proof, socially inclusive, and adaptable to demographic and environmental transitions.
“Cities are not just physical constructs — they are living ecosystems of people, aspirations, and opportunities. Our approach must ensure cities are future-ready, climate-resilient and designed to deliver dignity and a better quality of life for every citizen,” Padhee said.
She also held strategic discussions with the Chief Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority on strengthening governance structures and institutional frameworks for fast-growing metropolitan regions.
The dialogue focused on positioning cities as economic engines, innovation hubs, and spaces that foster equitable growth.
Reaffirming Odisha’s commitment, Padhee highlighted the state’s reform-oriented, technology-enabled, and community-partnered approach to urban development.
Odisha remains focused on building cities that empower people, with dignity, opportunity, and sustainability at the core of its urban future.
