Bhubaneswar: In a major eviction process, jointly carried out today by the Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL), Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and Commissionerate Police, the area near the railway station here was freed of encroachments to enable smooth implementation of the ongoing Smart Janpath Project.
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 by two enforcement squads from BDA, two of BMC, one from Smart City, police force led by IIC of Kharvel Nagar police station, despite heavy opposition, an official release said.
Besides ensuring a better and smooth traffic circulation as an important road connecting the Master Canteen Junction with the Bhubaneswar Railway Station, this drive would make way for Public Realm (space) for the Smart Janpath Project by providing a cycling track, pedestrian lighting, a buffer zone for ornamental plantation and sitting arrangements for the citizens.
It may be mentioned here that the eviction process was stalled for various reasons and on four occasions in the past. Recently, the encroached portions in front of Hotel Jajati and near Tarini temple were razed.
The development of Janpath with Smart Kiosks, giving a distinct touch and style to the major thoroughfare of the city, has attracted a lot of attention. With the 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 Canteen 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.
