Odisha’s Urban Bodies Launch Week-long Festivities Ahead of Local Self-Government Day

Bhubaneswar, August 9 (OT Webdesk)— In a vibrant lead-up to Local Self-Government Day on August 31, Odisha’s Housing & Urban Development Department has rolled out a week-long celebration across all 115 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

From August 25 to 30, cities and towns will host a series of public outreach programmes under the theme “Clean, Green, and Vibrant Cities.”

The campaign aims to foster participatory governance, environmental stewardship, and civic pride. Key highlights include:

  • Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: Citizens plant saplings to honor maternal bonds and promote urban greenery.
  • Awareness Rallies: Students and civil society groups advocate eco-friendly practices.
  • Green Ward Campaign: Wards compete to adopt sustainable practices with media coverage.
  • GARIMA IEC Campaigns: Focus on sanitation workers’ dignity and welfare.
  • SAHAJOG Camps: Enhance citizen engagement and streamline urban services.
  • Har Ghar Tiranga – Har Ghar Swachhata: Patriotic cleanliness drive blending hygiene and national pride.
  • Patha Utsav: Morning street festivals for wellness and community bonding.
  • Sports Day Events: Youth-led games and competitions to promote active citizenship.

The initiative culminates on August 31 with a symbolic tribute to grassroots democracy, reinforcing the role of citizens in shaping resilient and inclusive urban spaces.