Bhubaneswar: To provide respite to citizens from the scorching heat, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started installing temporary sheds in all major traffic junctions across the City. However, the move got mixed reactions from a cross-section of people. Taking to social media, one denizen asked, “Why not promote median plantation of big trees for a permanent solution? Shades do not cool the surroundings. The transpiration process of trees does.” Criticizing the move, another person wrote, “Such temporary measures are nothing but a loss to government exchequer. It gets uncomforting to wait in open traffic junctions such as Rupali Square and Ram Mandir Square even for a few seconds. The permanent structure is required.” Some suggested that it would be better if trees were planted in the road dividers and in empty spaces along the road so in future there would be a natural shade. “Sheds are temporary solace.
Therefore, please go for massive plantation as it will give shade, fight climate change and provide plenty of oxygen,” a social media user told BMC. BMC has installed temporary overhead sheds of polythene canopy with the support of bamboo poles and strings at different traffic posts in the state Capital. The sheds have been put up at Nalso Nagar Road, Maitri Vihar, Gajapati Na g ar and Kalinga Hospital Chhak. In addition, efforts are underway to conserve and restore water bodies in the City. BMC also placed water pots at many places across the City for animals/birds to help them quench their thirst.
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
