World Bank Applauds Odisha’s Urban Flagship Initiatives and Inclusive Development
Bhubaneswar, Nov 21: A high-level World Bank delegation visited Odisha’s capital today to review the state’s flagship urban initiatives under the Housing & Urban Development Department.
Principal Secretary Usha Padhee presented the Urbanisation & Development Road Map, highlighting progress in water supply, sanitation, urban mobility, affordable housing, and governance reforms.
The delegation, comprising Regional Vice President Johannes Zutt, Director Imad Fakhoury, and senior South Asia practice managers, engaged with officials at Kharavel Bhawan and praised Odisha’s data-driven, outcome-oriented approach to urban reforms.
During field visits, the team observed sanitation best practices at Palasuni, including a 150-TPD Material Recovery Facility, coconut-waste recycling, and community-linked waste management.
They interacted with Swachh Karmis and Women Self-Help Groups, appreciating grassroots participation in environmental stewardship.
At Nilamadhab Niwas, beneficiaries of the Affordable Housing project shared experiences of improved living conditions and livelihood opportunities.
The delegation also recognised Odisha’s achievements in Drink-From-Tap 24×7 water supply, CRUT public transport, Odisha Yatri e-rides, SUJOG digital service delivery, and the GARIMA framework for sanitation workers’ safety.
Concluding the visit, the World Bank team lauded Odisha’s emphasis on inclusivity, scale, and social impact, expressing interest in deeper collaboration on urban resilience, sanitation, housing, and governance.
