Odisha's path to livability: Will new CM address fundamental challenges?

By Sudhansu R Das 

The newly formed BJP government in Odisha, led by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, faces the crucial challenge of making the state truly livable for its people. Odisha continues to struggle with a range of issues, including frequent floods, cyclones, rising temperatures, unemployment, youth migration, inadequate safety, and the collapse of urban infrastructure. Unless these critical problems are addressed, the state's future may be at risk of irreversible decline.

A key factor in reviving Odisha is its river network, the backbone of the state's agriculture-based economy. Over the years, rivers have suffered from encroachment, pollution from urban and industrial waste, sand mining, deforestation, and over-damming. This has led to a depletion of fish stocks, reduced crop yields, water shortages, and the decline of tourism and pilgrimage due to the disappearing natural environment. 

The economic loss caused by the degradation of the state's rivers is immense. The BJP government must urgently restore these rivers by collaborating with neighboring states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand to address over-damming and ensure a long-term solution for the Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers, which once sustained thousands of villages. Healthy rivers and their estuaries are natural flood mitigators, reducing the devastating impact of floods.

Cyclones also wreak havoc on Odisha's economy, especially in sectors like agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and dairy farming. Restoring the coastal forest cover would create a protective barrier against these storms. The coastal belt, once abundant with fruit-bearing trees, not only provided nutrition but also an additional income stream for villagers. 

The coastline from Puri to Nimapara used to support cash crops, fishing, dairy, and tourism, but mismanagement has led to deforestation, the destruction of water bodies, and loss of livelihoods. Areas like the Balukhand sanctuary have seen their flora and fauna disappear due to unchecked urbanization. 

Rebuilding this natural infrastructure could lower temperatures in coastal districts and create economic opportunities through the cultivation of native crops like coconut, cashew, and betel nut. By maintaining a natural and safe environment, tourist and pilgrimage spots can regain their appeal.

The extreme heat waves that plague Odisha during the long summer months are another challenge. These heat waves lower productivity and force people indoors, increasing dependence on air conditioning. Odisha can mitigate these heat waves by adopting an economic model that relies more on its natural resources.

Urban areas are facing growing strain due to rural unemployment, leading to rapid population growth that overwhelms infrastructure. The increasing urban population makes it difficult to provide basic necessities like clean water, education, healthcare, and transportation. Protecting rural livelihoods by preserving natural infrastructure—such as forests and lakes—would not only create economic opportunities but also alleviate pressure on urban areas. In Western and European countries, access to sunlight, fresh air, and green spaces has become a luxury. Odisha still has the opportunity to preserve and enhance these natural assets.

Thirty years ago, the people of Bhubaneswar didn’t need fans at night during the summer; now, air conditioning is essential. Rapid urbanization, real estate expansion on forests, farmland, and hills, and the loss of open spaces and community playgrounds have contributed to the current urban problems. The BJP government should invest in building cycle tracks in all towns and cities to encourage sustainable transportation. For those living within a 10-20 kilometer radius of their workplace, cycling would be a viable option. Efficient town buses, autos, taxis, and electric vehicles should be sufficient for public transport in cities like Bhubaneswar, making costly metro projects unnecessary.

Thirty years ago, the people of Bhubaneswar didn’t need fans at night during the summer; now, air conditioning is essential

In urban areas, the improper placement of waste processing plants exacerbates the problems. These facilities should be relocated to less populated areas. Contractors responsible for poorly constructed roads should be held accountable, as bad roads hurt the local economy, cause accidents, and reduce overall quality of life. Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, with their rich heritage, can be further developed into hubs for trade, culture, sports, and education.

In Cuttack, efforts should be made to clear road encroachments in key areas such as Buxi Bazar, Choudhury Bazar, Naya Sadak, and Balu Bazar, while enhancing the inner and outer ring roads for tourism and local businesses. Allocating space to local entrepreneurs would provide opportunities for native Odias, reducing the need for migration.

The government must support a range of economic sectors including agriculture, fisheries, handicrafts, horticulture, tourism, handlooms, forestry, animal husbandry, and local delicacies. Building strong rural infrastructure, ensuring a transparent supply chain, providing quality inputs to farmers, and promoting good governance can improve incomes and encourage people to stay in their villages. The BJP government must also stop the practice of distributing free goods and cash, which has eroded work culture over the past two decades.

While Odisha’s handicraft and handloom sectors hold great potential for generating employment and foreign exchange, they require honest and capable leadership. Weavers in districts like Sonepur, Sambalpur, and Keonjhar are exploited by middlemen, earning wages too low to sustain their craft. The government must intervene to address these issues and revitalize these traditional industries.

By tapping into its vast natural and economic resources—including agriculture, forestry, handlooms, handicrafts, fisheries, industry, and trade—Odisha can achieve inclusive growth and become a state where people thrive. The Majhi-led BJP government has the opportunity to reweave the economic fabric of Odisha and create a model of sustainable development that ensures prosperity for all.