Bhubaneswar: Wherever there is uniformity, there is clarity, credibility and accountability. So too with signages. Often signages that have no uniformity can be befuddling and difficult on the eye. This applies to most public places including places of tourist interest and heritage sites.
Keeping this in mind, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has decided to implement the Heritage Signage Guidelines to boost the overall beauty and attractiveness of heritage zones of Bhubaneswar, known for its fascinating cultural heritage, amazing temples and monuments.
The signage based on the new guidelines will help visitors, national and international tourists in finding and knowing about various monuments and archaeological sites in the capital city leading to generating awareness among people about cultural heritage.
At present, the signages in Ekamra Kshetra by various agencies are a visual clutter that creates confusion among visitors. In 2016, BDA had identified the need to develop guidelines for unified signage designs for special heritage zones as specified in CDP – 2030.
Welcoming the move, Shri Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Vice-Chairman of Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), said: “As the Old Town or Ekamra Kshetra of Bhubaneswar is one of the most prominent abodes of Lord Shiva, the Heritage Signage Guideline will bring in perfect sync with the past and the present as this area is the essence of the State Capital. Similar Guidelines will also be prepared for other special heritage zones identified under CDP 2030 which will bring uniformity in information dissemination and improve the overall visitor experience.”
He further informed that the BDA is also aiming to notify the Street Design Guidelines at the earliest under ODA Rules 2020.
The signage guidelines will be applicable to the proposed Heritage District in Bhubaneswar Development Plan Authority as per its Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP)-2030, which includes ‘Ekamra Kshetra Heritage Zone (Old Bhubaneswar), Aitihashik Kshetra Heritage Zone (Sishupalgarh) and Sanskritik Kshetra Heritage Zone (Dhauli).
The purpose of the signage guidelines is to provide clear, concise information that is relevant, aesthetically pleasing and consistent for all sites. This will help in promoting a unified appearance for all signages and eliminate the inconsistent, ineffective and unnecessary signs.
As per the new guidelines, the following six types of signages will be put up at heritage sites:
1. Directional
2. Interpretative
3. Orientation
4. Facility signage
5. Business Signage
6. Building Signage
It was earlier notified that hoarding guidelines would be strictly followed in the Ekamra Kshetra heritage zone which has been declared a ‘No Hoarding Zone’. While the existing hoardings from all government and private spaces in the area would be removed, advertisement through painting on the walls has been disallowed within the heritage zone. The advertisement designs need to follow the advertisement rules of the state.
As per provision of the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2018, the name of a business establishment in the area would be written in Odia language and if required, it can be written in English as a supporting text.
