Jagannath Mohapatra, first non-elected Mayor of BMC, passes away at 84

Former chairman of Bhubaneswar Municipality (now a municipal corporation), Dr. Jagannath Mohapatra passed away at his residence in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. He was 84.

As per reports, Mohapatra was suffering from prolonged health issues.

Born on January 14, 1939, at Karata Sasan in Cuttack, Mohaptra was the last Chairman of Bhubaneswar Municipality in 1997 before the civic body was transformed into a Municipal Corporation. The BMC came into existence during his era. Mohapatra was also the Vice President of All India Mayors Association.

After the formation of BMC in 2000, he became the first non-elected Mayor of the Corporation.

A doctor by profession, he was also a known philanthropist and politician.

Mohapatra was instrumental in providing free medical care to the underprivileged. He was the founder of Jagannath Hospital in Sahid Nagar.

Mohapatra was also a member of the Sahid Nagar Puja committee.

His last rites will be performed at Satya Nagar crematorium in Bhubaneswar.