Bhubaneswar, May 22 (UNI) The Odisha government is contemplating to create a land bank to facilitate the provision of housing for slum dwellers across the state.

According to official sources, approximately 80 lakh people reside in urban areas of Odisha, with around 25 percent of them living in slums.

Despite living in cities, many slum dwellers lack access to adequate housing and basic amenities.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who chaired a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the development of slum areas, emphasized the need to formulate a comprehensive scheme that would enable slum dwellers to improve their standard of living and earn a sustainable livelihood.

During the meeting, Principal Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, Usha Padhi, presented plans aimed at enhancing the quality of life for slum residents.

It was decided that a dedicated land bank would be established to provide housing, along with essential infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water supply, Anganwadi centers, schools, parks, and open spaces.

The Chief Minister also proposed the creation of special programs to transform slum areas into model residential neighborhoods, ensuring that residents have access to all basic facilities and are treated with dignity as equal citizens of the city.

The meeting was attended by Housing and Urban Development Minister Krishna Chandra Mohapatra, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, BDA Vice President N. Thirumala Nayak, and BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil.

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