Odisha govt notifies creation of 24 new NACs in 14 districts

The Odisha government on Monday issued final notifications for the creation of 24 new Notified Area Councils (NACs) across 14 districts of the state, marking a significant step towards strengthening urban governance and civic administration.

The notifications were issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department after completion of the mandatory process of inviting objections and suggestions from residents of the areas proposed to be brought under NAC limits. The department had earlier released draft notifications and examined the feedback received from the public before taking the final decision.

With the addition of the 24 new units, the total number of Notified Area Councils in Odisha has increased to 86.

Officials said the creation of new NACs is aimed at improving delivery of urban services, ensuring better planning, and accelerating infrastructure development in fast-growing semi-urban areas. Areas upgraded to NAC status will now be eligible for various urban development schemes and will have dedicated local bodies for governance.

The move is expected to facilitate improved civic amenities such as water supply, sanitation, roads, street lighting and solid waste management, while also enabling more effective implementation of state and centrally sponsored urban programmes.

The government has directed district administrations to take necessary steps for operationalising the new NACs, including demarcation of boundaries and initiation of administrative arrangements.