Bhubaneswar: Three days’ long International Conclave on Urban Transformation begins today at Hotel Vivanta, Bhubaneswar, organised by the Department of H&UD, Government of Odisha.
Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the International Conclave through virtual mode. In this conclave more than 400 participants from 11 countries and 20 States of India are participating.
Chief Minister said Odisha is now on a transformative drive to create smart avenues for all sections of society. He also said that Odisha is recreating inclusive cities where no one is left behind. Urban Odisha success is not just the physical transformation, but also the profound impact it has on urban life.
The essence of this transformative journey is community led urban development under the 5T framework. Sanitation, once a silent struggle, now takes confident strides with dignity.
“Drink from Tap” mission is a commitment to the people to take them to new heights of wellbeing” , said Chief Minister adding “We firmly believe that community-led urban development is not just the story of Odisha but rather a global paradigm shift in the offing. The International Conclave on Urban Transformation is a testament to our commitment.”
He has invited all to learn from our experiences, create their own stories, and collaborate to build a better urban future for all. CM also urged all to embark on the journey to build vibrant and inclusive cities, where communities co-create their dreams, and every single voice is not just acknowledged but genuinely heard.
Minister, Housing and Urban Development, Usha Devi, Chief Secretary, Pradeep Kumar Jena, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development G. Mathi Vathanan , Joint Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Rahul Kapoor attended in the inaugural session of the Conclave as guests and spoke on the occasion.
Chief Secretary Shri Jena said that thrust has been given on people centric and community led development. Urban growth is now a challenge not only in India, but also for other countries. Though we all are investing more on infrastructure, but its management is challenge. Focusing on Odisha’s achievement in Land rights, he said Jaga Mission is helping to bring quality of life to slum dwellers in providing them good housing and quality of life, internal road connectivity and basic amenities.
Special Secretary H&UD Sagarika Patnaik gave brief introduction about the scheduled programs to be organised during the 3 days’ event. During 18-20 January, important sessions like Water for all, Inclusive Sanitation and Waste Management, Community –Led Urban Transformation: Odisha’s Models for sustainable Urban Management, Emergency need for regulatory framework in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, inputs from panel of key stakeholders and experts have been scheduled to be held.