Odisha Govt Launches 'ANKUR' to Drive Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Growth

Odisha Govt Launches 'ANKUR' to Drive Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Growth

The Odisha Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department has launched ANKUR – Atal Network for Knowledge, Urbanisation & Reform – a visionary initiative aimed at transforming the state’s urban landscape through inclusive, sustainable, and innovative practices.

Described as a landmark step by the department, ANKUR is positioned to reshape Odisha's urban future by fostering citizen-centric and resilient cities. The state has signed MoUs with six leading institutions engaged in urban development to drive this collaborative mission.

H&UD Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, present as the Chief Guest, said, “ANKUR represents our promise to build smart, efficient, and people-first cities. This initiative is a step towards a ‘Viksit Odisha’ shaped by communities, institutions, and the government together.”

Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the H&UD Department, explained that ANKUR was the result of year-long consultations with experts and stakeholders. “It grew from the realisation that Odisha’s urbanisation needs new approaches and partnerships. ANKUR is that platform – built to co-create solutions, drive innovation, and support future-ready development.”

With the state’s urban population expected to triple by 2036, ANKUR is designed to anchor Odisha’s response to this growth, aligned with India’s national goal of Viksit Bharat @2047. The initiative is built on four strategic pillars: capacity building, research, implementation support, and innovation.

ANKUR will serve as the institutional core for Odisha’s urban reform agenda, promoting decentralised, inclusive, and evidence-driven governance. It aims to ensure that every city and every citizen benefits from the wave of change, marking the dawn of a new urban era for the state.