Bhubaneswar, Aug 16: In a major push toward urban decentralization and infrastructure development, the Odisha Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department has issued a draft notification for the formation of 12 new Notified Area Councils (NACs) across seven districts, officials said on Saturday.

The newly proposed NACs include Pallahara in Angul, Birmaharajpur in Subarnapur, Simulia and Basta in Balasore, Bangiriposi and Chitrada in Mayurbhanj, Bissam Cuttack in Rayagada, Rengali and Bamra in Sambalpur, and Tihidi and Dhusuri in Bhadrak.

This move follows Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s Independence Day announcement to establish 12 new NACs across the state, aiming to improve civic administration and urban services in fast-growing towns. The draft notification invites feedback and objections from residents and stakeholders before final approval.

According to officials, the creation of these NACs will enhance access to basic amenities such as water supply, sanitation, waste management, road infrastructure, and street lighting. It also reflects the government’s goal to increase urban coverage from 17% to 30% by expanding municipal governance to emerging urban clusters.

Once finalized, these NACs will receive dedicated urban development funds and administrative support to accelerate growth and improve quality of life in semi-urban regions.

Local leaders and residents have welcomed the decision. In Dhusuri, the announcement fulfilled a long-standing promise made by late leader Bishnu Charan Sethi, while residents of Simulia expressed pride in their town’s recognition as an NAC.

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