Bhubaneswar, 28 May (H.S.) : In a transformative move set to redefine urban development in Odisha, the Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department today officially launched ANKUR – Atal Network for Knowledge, Urbanization & Reform. This strategic initiative aims to accelerate inclusive, sustainable, and innovative urban growth across the state, in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and Odisha’s urban aspirations for 2036.
To mark the occasion, the department signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with six leading national and international institutions engaged in the urban development ecosystem.
The initiative reflects a collaborative and future-forward approach to tackling the challenges and opportunities posed by rapid urbanization.
Gracing the launch event as Chief Guest, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister for Housing & Urban Development, stated, “ANKUR represents a collective promise — to build cities that are efficient, smart, and above all, citizen-centric. This is not just a project; it is a movement toward a Viksit Odisha, co-authored by communities, institutions, and the government.”
Delivering the welcome address, Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, H&UD Department, shared insights on the vision behind ANKUR. “The genesis of ANKUR has been a journey of reflection, dialogue, and collaboration. Recognizing the growing complexity of urbanization in Odisha, this platform was conceived to co-create solutions, institutionalize innovation, and build long-term partnerships for sustainable development,” she said.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
