Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Tuesday dedicated 12 modern playgrounds developed by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) in the Capital and adjoining areas to promote sports, physical fitness and community well-being. The playgrounds are located at Bajarangi, K-4, Kolathia, Tamando, Nakhara, the CBSE Regional Office, Jadupur, Damana High School, Unit II Girls’ High School, Bhubaneswar Central UP School, Ghatikia, Unit VIII Boys’ High School and Saheed Nagar High School. Majhi said the facilities would help children nurture their sporting talents and enable senior citizens to maintain their health and fitness. He expressed hope that the housing and sports infrastructure initiatives would contribute to making Bhubaneswar a safer, more inclusive and balanced city. On this occasion, CM also inaugurated two affordable housing projects at Ghatikia and Gadakana here, providing 1,608 housing units for eligible beneficiaries.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the new homes would give slum dwellers a new identity and improve their quality of life. He said the chief minister envisioned providing affordable and quality housing to slum residents so that they could live with dignity and have a permanent address.
Such facilities, he added, would positively influence their children’s education and their social standing. Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh said owning a house in Bhubaneswar was a major dream for many people, particularly those from economically weaker sections. He said the dream could be fulfilled within 24 months rather than requiring 24 years. Khordha MLA Prasanta Jagadev said providing food, shelter and clothing to everyone remained a fundamental objective, adding that these were basic necessities of every citizen.
Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das described the occasion as a moment of happiness for the City’s residents and a festive gift ahead of Durga Puja. She said the housing projects would help beneficiaries lead lives of dignity. BDA Vice-Chairman and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Chanchal Rana delivered the welcome address, while BDA Secretary Manas Ranjan Padhi proposed the vote of thanks.
