The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has decided to renovate and beautify an open space of 1.5 acre in Ananta Vihar near Pokhariput. It is part of the steps taken by BDA to minimise the misuse of open space in the city.
Open space in the Capital is susceptible to encroachment and land grabbing. BDA Planning Member Pitabasa Sahoo said the purpose of renovating unused Government lands is to protect them from encroachment.
BDA’s Vice-Chairman Vishal Dev gave the approval for the renovation project in Ananta Vihar on Saturday. A boundary wall around the open space has already been constructed.
The project will be undertaken by BDA in collaboration with Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and a private developer. BDA has proposed to construct basic facilities like community hall, footpaths and sitting arrangements throughout the open space. The space will also be beautified through plantation and a fountain will be constructed on its premises.
Sahoo said funds for the project will be contributed by the private developer, BDA and some local politicians. In addition to this project, BDA has also finalised the proposal to develop a stretch of land between Raj Mahal and AG Square as a vehicle-free avenue meant for ‘relaxation’.
Dev said the final proposal will be placed before the Chief Secretary for approval. As per the proposal, a 100 feet wide area has been identified where small shopping complexes, flower shops and eateries will be constructed. In addition to this, the street will be beautified with landscaping and will have sitting arrangements.
However, one of the major road blocks faced by the civic authorities is the existence of a bank in the area, said Dev.
Some of the Government quarters that are also in the area will be shifted after the proposal receives State Government’s approval.
xBut the shifting of the bank will be a challenging job for the authorities, he added.