Bhubaneswar, Nov. 7 -- Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi addressed the state-level Local Self-Government Day programme in Bhubaneswar, extended greetings to the people of the state and said local self-government has deep roots in India's culture and democratic traditions.

The CM Majhi said Odisha's urban landscape is expanding, with the number of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) increasing from 115 to 143. He said around 40% of Odisha's population is expected to live in urban areas by 2036 and nearly 60% by 2047.

He said the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' requires a 'Samruddha Odisha', which in turn depends on prosperous, safe, clean, inclusive and economically vibrant cities. He stressed the need for future urban planning to keep the needs ...