Urban planning should be chalked out in such a way so that it becomes sustainable, climate-resilient and citizen-centric. Besides, urban investments must be future-proof, socially inclusive and designed to withstand demographic and environmental transitions, said Usha Padhee, State’s Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department.
She said this while participating in the Urban Policy Dialogues 2025 in Bengaluru organised by Indian Institute for Human Settlements — a key forum shaping India’s urban development discourse and policy directions.
Speaking as a panellist in the session titled “Addressing Urban India’s Brewing Stranded Asset Crisis”, Padhee further stated that cities are not just physical constructs — they are living ecosystems of people, aspirations and opportunities.
Our approach must ensure cities are future-ready, climate-resilient and designed to deliver dignity and a better quality of life for every citizen, she added.
During the visit, she also held a strategic discussion with the Chief Commissioner, Greater Bengaluru Authority on robust governance structures and institutional strengthening for fast-growing metropolitan regions. The interaction focused on building cities as economic engines, innovation hubs and spaces that support equitable growth.
Reaffirming Odisha’s commitment, she reiterated that the state continues to drive reform-oriented, technology-enabled and community-partnered urban development that ensures both growth and liveability.
Odisha remains focused on building cities that empower people — with dignity, opportunity and a sustainable urban future at the core, Secretary Padhee concluded.