Bhubaneswar, November 11: In a major eviction process, jointly carried out by the Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL), Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and Commissionerate Police on Thursday, area near the Bhubaneswar railway station was made free from encroachments to enable smooth implementation of the ongoing Smart Janpath Project.
Apart for ensuring a better and smooth traffic circulation as an important road connecting the Master Canteen Junction with the Bhubaneswar Railway Station, this drive would also make a way for the Public Realm (space) for the Smart Janpath Project by providing cycling track, pedestrian lighting, buffer zone for ornamental plantation and sitting arrangements for the citizens.
During the eviction drive 23 polythene and bamboo shed shops, 28 fast food counters on trolleys and 32 vending/mobile shops selling fruits and other items were demolished despite heavy opposition from the vendors. During the process two enforcement squads from of BDA, two squads of BMC, one from Smart City, police force led by IIC of Kharvel Nagar police station participated.
Recently, the encroached portions in front of Hotel Jajati and near Tarini temple were razed.
The development of Smart Janpath, off late has attracted the attention of the public with the Smart Kiosks giving a distinct touch and style to the major thoroughfare of the city. Also, with addition of public plazas and extension of the walking and cycling tracks and pedestrian lighting arrangements, the project components have added to the beauty of the landscape, which is having its natural green cover as well.
Following the Ekamra Kshetra and I Love Bhubaneswar public plazas at Sishu Bhawan Square and Master Centeen Square respectively, attracting public and especially young generation during evening and morning hours and being widely used as sought-after “selfie points”, the Temple Plaza near Ram Mandir Square is now attracting evening crowd and people to stroll around, click photos and spend time with family and friends in an ambience soaked with divinity and nature. During the day time flocks of pigeons are making the venue more attractive and one can find people feeding the birds also.
