The Odisha government has embarked on a significant urban expansion drive, issuing a series of fresh notifications aimed at transforming the administrative landscape across multiple districts. This strategic move focuses on upgrading existing urban bodies and establishing new ones to extend improved governance and infrastructure to growing areas.
Upgradation to Municipalities: A Boost for Five Towns
In a key decision, the state administration has released both final and draft notifications for the upgradation of several Notified Area Councils (NACs) into full-fledged municipalities. This elevation in status is set to empower local administrations with greater resources and authority.
The districts poised to witness this transformation are Boudh, Ganjam, and Mayurbhanj. Specifically, the NACs of Boudhgarh, Bhanjanagar, Kabisuryanagar, Polasara, and Karanjia are on the path to becoming municipalities. This formal upgrade will enable these towns to better manage essential services like infrastructure development, sanitation, housing projects, and other critical public utilities.
Creation of 24 New Notified Area Councils (NACs)
In a parallel and expansive development, the government has issued final notifications for the establishment of 24 brand-new NACs spread across 13 districts of the state. This initiative aims to bring semi-urban and rural growth centres under a structured urban governance framework.
The list of new NACs includes notable areas such as Pallahara in Angul, Simulia in Balasore, and Sohela in Bargarh. The expansion spans a wide geographical range, covering districts including Bhadrak, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Khurda, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Rayagada, Sambalpur, and Subarnapur.
Strategic Impact on Urban Governance and Civic Life
The overarching goal of this two-pronged expansion strategy is to bolster urban governance mechanisms and systematically extend civic amenities to rapidly developing regions. By converting NACs into municipalities and creating new NACs, the government is decentralizing administrative power and bringing it closer to the people.
Local bodies, once formally established or upgraded, will be in a stronger position to plan and execute projects related to road construction, water supply, waste management, and public health services. This structured approach to urban management is expected to significantly enhance the quality of life for residents in these areas, providing them with the benefits of planned development and accountable local administration.
This large-scale urban restructuring underscores the state government's focus on managing growth and ensuring that development keeps pace with the increasing urbanization in Odisha, ultimately aiming for sustainable and improved living standards.
