The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation marked Local Self?Government Day by unveiling a package of projects intended to strengthen civic infrastructure and improve living conditions across the capital city. The programme included the state’s first pet crematorium, which will be inaugurated soon by the chief minister and will offer residents a dignified facility for pet cremation. Officials described the initiative as part of a wider push to enhance municipal services and address emerging urban needs.

The civic body announced a comprehensive drainage master plan prepared in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, with priority interventions earmarked for areas including ISKCON, Bomikhal, Rudrapur Canal and Naharkanta. Detailed project reports have been completed and the tender process for the ISKCON drainage project is concluded. Officials said the plan will guide phased works to reduce flooding and improve stormwater management across vulnerable localities.

To ease pressure on existing systems, the corporation is completing a CBG plant by year?end and has proposed a separate waste?processing facility under a state?mandated memorandum of understanding. In a further sustainability measure, 30 public toilets across the city are slated to be fitted with sewage treatment plants to enable water reuse and conserve resources. The commissioner framed these interventions as part of a holistic approach to sustainable waste management, sanitation and circularity in municipal services. Officials will monitor implementation timelines and pursue public?private partnerships where feasible to accelerate delivery.

Urban development work will include upgrades to major markets such as Bhagabanpur, Badagada, Unit?four and Tarini Market alongside expedited construction of the Pahala street food hub. Infrastructure projects in Daruthenga will cover roads, parks, a Kalyan Mandap and drainage systems to address local needs. The state government reiterated its commitment to making Bhubaneswar slum?free by providing permanent housing to eligible slum dwellers. Together these measures were presented as a concerted effort to balance growth with equitable access to amenities across the city.