Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, May 21: The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has decided to develop 21 parks in the city and its outskirts at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore in the current fiscal in a move aimed at improving the civic amenities.
The BDA, which spends around Rs 1 crore every year to manage 60 parks at present, has its own staff for the maintenance and security of the parks. BDA has got 150 workers for the maintenance of 60 parks while 20 security guards have also been hired by the building regulator.
Construction work of four out of the 21 proposed parks has already begun and this is likely to be completed by September so that the parks can be thrown open to the public to mark BDA foundation day.
The new parks, whose designs have been prepared by BDA’s empanelled architects, would come up at Niladri Vihar, Kalinga Nagar K6, K8, K9-A, Sahid Nagar, Nayapalli’s N3 and N5 and the peripheral areas of the city.
The building regulator would not give its parks to private entities for maintenance and upkeep as it is not facing a funds crunch, said BDA chief horticulturist Ashok N Dhar.
“We are not levying entrance fee on the people for visiting 60 parks as it would deter not only poor people but also the rich ones who have to pay a monthly fee. Fee would also not to be levied on the proposed parks,” he said.
Kalinga Vihar’s K8 would get the biggest park, spread across a sprawling 12 acres, among the 21 proposed community parks.
Currently, BDA’s largest park is at Niladri Vihar and is spread across 47 acres of land. This is followed by Forest Park (23 acres) and Indira Gandhi Park (10.6 acres).
The parks are equipped with modern swings, benches, pathways and ornamental lights.
The government also plans to introduce senior citizen-friendly infrastructure at the existing parks, a source said.
