Is the Rs 1,600 crore ‘Swachha Odisha’ scheme the solution to urban sanitation?
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Synopsis
The Odisha Cabinet has given a green light to the ambitious Swachha Odisha scheme, which aims to revolutionize urban sanitation with a substantial fund of Rs 1,600 crore. As the state seeks cleaner cities, this initiative promises to integrate and improve sanitation services significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Rs 1,600 crore allocated for urban sanitation.
- Integration of various sanitation initiatives.
- Focus on improving efficiency and coordination.
- Empowerment of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
- Alignment with the Swachh Bharat mission.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 10 (NationPress) The Odisha Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, convened on Friday to endorse a novel state sector initiative dubbed Swachha Odisha. This scheme allocates Rs 1,600 crore over a period of five years (from FY 2025–26 to FY 2029–30) aimed at consolidating and enhancing sanitation efforts in urban locales across the state.
An official statement revealed, “The launch of 'Swachha Odisha' seeks to streamline the processes associated with project execution, financing, and oversight by merging various sanitation programs into a cohesive initiative.”
The primary goal of this scheme is to unify existing sanitation programs—such as Solid Waste Management, Liquid Waste Management, and Urban Septage Systems—into a single comprehensive framework.
This integration is anticipated to boost efficiency through improved coordination, simplify execution processes, and facilitate smoother funding and monitoring operations.
The Swachha Odisha initiative highlights the state government’s dedication to fostering clean and waste-free urban environments.
It seeks to empower Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by addressing funding deficiencies and striving for holistic saturation across all urban sanitation dimensions. Furthermore, this scheme will complement the ongoing Swachh Bharat initiative, thereby reinforcing the intended outcomes related to urban cleanliness and sanitation.
Officials indicated that the scheme will be rolled out in phases, prioritizing extensive coverage and measurable impact across Odisha’s urban landscape.
Notably, during the meeting chaired by CM Majhi, the Odisha Cabinet also approved 15 proposals across ten departments, including the endorsement of the Odisha Jan Vishwas Ordinance, 2025.
In a significant move, the Cabinet sanctioned a Rs 163 crore procurement plan aimed at printing paper for providing free textbooks to students in government, aided, and private unaided schools for the 2026–27 academic year.
Point of View
The Swachha Odisha initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing urban sanitation across the state. By integrating various sanitation systems, the Odisha government showcases its commitment to improving public health and environmental standards. This initiative not only aligns with national cleanliness campaigns but also highlights the proactive measures being taken at the state level. As the nation focuses on sustainable urban development, this scheme could serve as a model for other states to emulate.
NationPress
11/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Swachha Odisha scheme?
The Swachha Odisha scheme is a state sector initiative approved by the Odisha Cabinet aimed at enhancing urban sanitation across the state with an allocation of Rs 1,600 crore over five years.
How will the Swachha Odisha scheme improve sanitation?
The scheme aims to integrate various sanitation initiatives into a unified framework, improving coordination, implementation processes, and funding operations.
What are the key components of the Swachha Odisha scheme?
Key components include Solid Waste Management, Liquid Waste Management, and Urban Septage Systems, all consolidated into one comprehensive framework.
How does the Swachha Odisha scheme support Urban Local Bodies?
The scheme seeks to empower Urban Local Bodies by addressing funding gaps and ensuring comprehensive coverage across all urban sanitation aspects.
What is the timeline for the Swachha Odisha scheme?
The Swachha Odisha scheme will be implemented over five years, from FY 2025–26 to FY 2029–30.
