Bike stations near parks and hotels
Aiming to add more users to the public bike sharing project, which does not have many takers, the Bhopal Smart City Development Corporation Limited plans to install public broadcasting systems near parks and hotels with a high footfall.
The Corporation also plans to target educational institutes to get more people to use the bike sharing project. In a recent meeting of the Corporation chaired by its executive director Priyanka Das, officials were directed to target youth, who can register for the service. A survey has been ordered to find out the areas where bike stations can be installed.
GPS-based system for Shaan-e-Bhopal
The Habibganj-Nizamuddin Shaan-e-Bhopal Express has been equipped with a Global Positioning System-based facility that will inform passengers about upcoming stations, the distance to the nearest station, the duration of the halt, among other things. The train offers refreshments, a free library service, a coffee machine and other facilities.
Government vehicles
The Bhopal Traffic Police on Friday launched a drive against government vehicles and their drivers violating traffic rules. As many as 475 violators have been fined under the drive, including officials of the district administration, the state secretariat, district police and police headquarters, and 94 vehicles belonging to the police department. The drive came three days after the state police headquarters issued orders directing cops to follow traffic rules and wear a helmet while driving a two-wheeler and a seatbelt while driving a four-wheeler. A WhatsApp number was also announced for people to complain if they spotted policemen flouting traffic rules.
Experience life inside a cage
Authorities at the Van Vihar national park are planning a unique initiative which will enable visitors to experience life inside a cage. The park is likely to soon begin the novel initiative so that visitors can get a feel of what life is like for animals inside a cage. One of the enclosures facing the lake, which once housed a white tiger, will be used for the purpose. The tiger has been shifted to a bigger enclosure. The initiative will see visitors lock themselves in the enclosure for as long as they want to stay under the supervision of Van Vihar caretakers.
Winged guests from Kashmir
With the onset of winter, the painted stork, originally from the Kashmir valley and adjoining regions of the Indian subcontinent, has made the Van Vihar national park in Bhopal its favoured roosting site. Barren trees edging the natural ponds of Van Vihar have become the makeshift abode of the orange-headed and pink tailed birds with black and white plumage. The trees, which often seem an eyesore to many visitors, have turned into a draw for birdwatchers.
Anuraag Singh
Our correspondent in Madhya Pradesh
singhanuraag.journo@gmail.com