Bhubaneswar, Nov 20: The Odisha government has announced that regular inspections will be conducted in slum areas across municipal corporations and urban local bodies to curb illegal drug trade and arms trafficking.

Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra emphasized that the initiative is aimed at ensuring safety, law enforcement, and better living conditions for slum residents.

Mahapatra stated that district collectors and superintendents of police have been directed to carry out routine checks in slums to prevent infiltration and criminal activities.

“The government’s priority is to resolve the problems of slum dwellers. People will be moved out of unhealthy environments and provided with affordable housing in a systematic manner,” he said.

Also read: Odisha Govt Assures Housing for Salia Sahi Evictees, BMC Confirms 455 Homes Ready

The Odisha Minister further highlighted that the state is working to include more peripheral areas under town planning schemes to ensure organized urban expansion. As part of this effort, the government has launched the ‘SAHAJOG’ initiative to extend welfare measures to urban neighbourhoods. “We are implementing this across all urban local bodies and will later expand it to rural areas,” Mahapatra added.

The Housing & Urban Development Minister also urged district collectors and SPs to personally visit slums instead of limiting themselves to office-based reviews. He stressed that direct engagement would help identify and resolve issues more effectively.

The government’s plan includes relocating slum residents to affordable housing projects, thereby reducing encroachment and improving urban infrastructure.

Minister Mahapatra reiterated that both the central and state governments share the goal of improving urban living standards while ensuring public safety.