Urbanisation in Odisha: Trends, Challenges, and Urban Centres

Odisha Manthan

Introduction

Urbanisation refers to the increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas compared to rural regions. In Odisha, urbanisation has been gradual and uneven, influenced by economic activities, migration, industrialisation, and administrative policies. Though Odisha is traditionally a rural-dominated state, recent decades have witnessed significant growth of towns and cities, along with challenges like urban pollution and unplanned expansion.

Understanding urbanisation trends in Odisha is essential for addressing developmental challenges and ensuring sustainable urban growth.

Urbanisation Trends in Odisha:

  1. Urbanisation Status

    • According to the 2011 Census, 16.68% of Odisha’s population lived in urban areas (national average was around 31%).
    • Odisha is among the less urbanised states in India, but it has shown steady growth in urbanisation since independence.

  2. Factors Influencing Urban Growth

    • Industrialisation: Growth of industries like steel, aluminium, mining, and power generation in districts like Angul, Jharsuguda, and Kalinganagar.
    • Infrastructure Development: Development of transport networks, ports (Paradip, Dhamra), and urban amenities.
    • Administrative Expansion: Upgradation of municipal councils and urban local bodies.
    • Employment Opportunities: Rise in non-agricultural jobs, service sector growth, and migratory pull from rural areas.

Growth of Urban Pollution in Odisha

Urbanisation has brought economic opportunities, but also led to environmental challenges, especially urban pollution.

  1. Air Pollution

    • Rapid industrialisation and increased vehicular traffic in cities like Angul, Talcher, Jharsuguda, and Rourkela.
    • Major pollutants: Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2).
    • Talcher-Angul region is often referred to as one of India’s pollution hotspots due to heavy industries and thermal power plants.

  2. Water Pollution

    • Discharge of untreated industrial effluents and domestic sewage into rivers like Mahanadi and Brahmani.
    • Pollution in urban water bodies like Bindusagar Lake (Bhubaneswar) and Kathajodi River (Cuttack).
    • Groundwater contamination due to unregulated waste disposal in urban slums.

  3. Solid Waste Management Issues

    • Inadequate waste collection and disposal systems in municipalities.
    • Major cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack generate huge quantities of municipal solid waste, much of which is not properly segregated.
    • Plastic waste pollution is emerging as a major concern, especially in coastal cities like Puri.

  4. Noise Pollution

    • Increased vehicular traffic, construction activities, and urban sprawl have raised noise levels, particularly in urban hubs and commercial areas.

  5. Health and Sanitation Concerns

    • Slum proliferation in urban areas has worsened sanitation and hygiene.
    • Rise in airborne diseases, waterborne infections, and lifestyle disorders due to polluted urban environments.

Urban Centres in Odisha

Odisha’s urban landscape is shaped by a mix of historical towns, industrial cities, religious hubs, and emerging smart cities.

  1. Bhubaneswar

    • Capital city and the largest urban centre of Odisha.
    • Known as the Temple City of India and also an IT and education hub.
    • Declared a Smart City under the Government of India’s Smart City Mission.
    • Hosts major institutions like IIT Bhubaneswar, AIIMS, and Infosys.

  2. Cuttack

    • The old capital and a major commercial and legal centre.
    • Famous for filigree work and known as the Millennium City.
    • Location of Orissa High Court and prominent healthcare and educational facilities.

  3. Rourkela

    • Odisha’s first planned industrial city, home to Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), India’s first integrated steel plant under SAIL.
    • Significant tribal population and educational institutes like NIT Rourkela.

  4. Sambalpur

    • Known for textile industry (Sambalpuri sarees), Hirakud Dam, and coal mining activities.
    • Acts as a gateway to western Odisha.

  5. Berhampur

    • Commercial hub of south Odisha.
    • Known as the Silk City, famous for Berhampuri silk sarees.
    • Growing education and healthcare sector.

  6. Puri

    • World-renowned pilgrimage centre, home to Jagannath Temple.
    • Major tourism hub, attracting millions during Rath Yatra and other festivals.
    • Prone to urbanisation pressures, coastal erosion, and pollution due to tourism.

  7. Jharsuguda

    • An industrial hub, often called the Powerhouse of Odisha.
    • Hosts thermal power plants and aluminium industries (Vedanta, Bhushan).

  8. Paradip

    • Major port town, crucial for export-import activities.
    • Emerging as a petrochemical and industrial hub with projects like IOCL’s Paradip Refinery.

  9. Angul-Talcher Belt

    • Significant for coal mining, thermal power, and heavy industries.
    • Faces acute environmental challenges due to heavy industrialisation.

Challenges of Urbanisation in Odisha

Government Initiatives for Sustainable Urbanisation

Conclusion

Urbanisation in Odisha is a double-edged sword—while it offers economic growth and modernisation, it also poses environmental and infrastructural challenges. Cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Rourkela are evolving as urban engines, yet balanced and sustainable planning is required to make Odisha’s urban future inclusive, clean, and resilient.

For more related content, explore the links below:


PDF File:

No PDF attached

Subject: Odisha Manthan

← Back
Chat on WhatsApp