Bhubaneswar: Terming the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) a `Navratna’ institution created by the state with a great vision, Housing and Urban Development Minister and BDA chairman Niranjan Pujari Friday called upon the development authority to concentrate on ‘effective transformation’ of the city into a child-friendly and green city.
The minister was speaking as the chief guest at the 35th Foundation Day of BDA. Pujari said that the 3Ts of team work, transparency and technology has already been in use and BDA should add the fourth T for ‘transformation’ to its list as it has already proved its worth by coming as the No 1 Smart City in the country.
Significantly, the minister also advised the authority to give more emphasis on affordable housing to handle an increasing population of around 20 to 25 lakh. The minister also reminded the BDA of protecting the green cover.
Speaking on the occasion, city Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said BMC and BDA are like two sides of a coin and through the philosophy of `progress through partnership’ we can ensure better growth and development of the Temple City.
However, he reminded that citizens expect responsible behaviour from both the organisations. “We could build a beautiful city and excel through our Smart City planning,” he said.
MLA Bhubaneswar (Central) Bijay Kumar Mohanty spoke about the transformation of the city from a 14-acre planned township to a 15-lakh strong population while MLA (North) Priyadarshi Mishra said the BDA has come a long way with its promise of 35 years keeping the expectations of the citizens of Bhubaneswar.
Among others, BDA secretary Ramesh Chandra Rout, additional commissioner Bhabani Shankar Chayani and other top officials attended the function. As an annual practice, the development authority felicitated 10 meritorious students (children of its employees) by awarding a scholarship of Rs 5,000 each for having secured 90 percent or above marks in Class X examination.
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