Bhubaneswar: In a pivotal move set to reshape the urban landscape of Odisha, the Housing & Urban Development Department today launched ANKUR – Atal Network for Knowledge, Urbanization & Reform. This strategic initiative aims to foster inclusive, sustainable, and innovative urban growth across the state, with MoUs signed with six leading institutions and organizations in the urban development sector.
Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister for Housing & Urban Development, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, emphasizing the collaborative spirit behind ANKUR. “ANKUR represents a collective promise to build cities that are efficient, smart, and above all, citizen-centric,” stated Dr. Mahapatra. “This is a movement towards a Viksit Odisha, co-authored by communities, institutions, and government alike.”
Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, H&UD Department, highlighted the program’s genesis in her welcome address. “The genesis of ANKUR was not a single moment, but rather a series of reflections, conversations, and collaborations,” Smt. Padhee explained. “It was born from a growing realization within our department that the pace and complexity of urbanization in Odisha required new thinking, new partnerships, and new platforms.” She further elaborated that ANKUR emerged as a solution to co-create solutions, institutionalize innovation, and sustain partnerships vital for the next decade of urban growth.
With Odisha’s urban population projected to triple by 2036, ANKUR is envisioned as a transformative platform to co-create resilient, livable, and future-ready cities. Anchored in collaborative governance, ANKUR aligns with the national aspiration of Viksit Bharat @2047, while addressing Odisha’s unique socio-economic and urban context. It will strengthen four strategic pillars of urban development: capacity building, knowledge & research, implementation support, and innovation.
Inspired by the legacy of Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji and under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, ANKUR will serve as the institutional backbone for driving reform, innovation, and evidence-based urban decision-making in the state.
The Government also acknowledged the long-standing support of organizations such as the National Institute of Urban Affairs, Tata Steel Foundation, and World Resources Institute, among others, for their significant contributions to Odisha’s urban evolution.
ANKUR is poised to become the nerve centre of Odisha’s urban reform agenda. With a steadfast commitment to decentralization, inclusivity, and knowledge-led action, the initiative will foster a new era of urban partnerships, ensuring that no city, and no citizen, is left behind.
The MoU signing ceremony took place in the 8th Floor Conference Hall of Kharavel Bhawan, attended by senior officers of the department and representatives from leading national and international partners.