Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s urban governance push through the Atal Network for Knowledge, Urbanisation and Reform (ANKUR) has begun delivering dividends, with 1,225 of 2,604 pollution-related issues identified in Bhubaneswar already resolved and more than 1,150 government officials trained under capacity-building initiatives.
Launched May 28, 2025, ANKUR links Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) with knowledge institutions, technical experts, development organisations and innovation partners to tackle urban challenges and improve civic services.
Under its Dispersed Sources Programme, 2,604 localised pollution-related issues were identified in Bhubaneswar, of which 1,225 have been resolved. The Government has set a target of resolving 80% of the identified issues by October 2026.
The platform is also strengthening digital municipal services through initiatives such as SUJOG, which covers 115 cities, while supporting interventions in sanitation, environmental management, livelihoods, regulatory reforms and citizen outreach.
Housing & Urban Development Department Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee said ANKUR was aimed at connecting the needs of cities with the right expertise and solutions. Strengthening ULB capacity would help make urban services simpler, faster and more responsive to citizens, she said.
ANKUR also supports reforms in building construction, land subdivision and land-use regulations, besides providing sanitation workers with mechanisation, safety equipment and training.
Programmes such as the Lighthouse Programme are linking youth with skills and employment opportunities, while SAHAJOG and SAHAJOG Plus are helping urban families access government schemes and essential services.
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The platform is also being used to pilot solutions for low-value plastic waste reuse and Construction & Demolition Waste management, with successful models to be replicated across ULBs.
Aligned with Viksit Odisha @2036, ANKUR seeks to turn urban challenges into tested solutions that can be scaled across the State.