Bhubaneswar Gets Fresh Look For Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Minister Carries Out Inspection

Bhubaneswar: With the preparation to host Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Odisha capital in final stages, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Krushna Chandra Mohapatra on Thursday conducted a comprehensive inspection.

The Minister visited the main road from Airport Chowk to Nandankanan and the venue, Janata Maidan. He closely reviewed the sanitation, road conditions, and beautification efforts, emphasising that no detail is too small.

He directed the engineers to immediately address any potholes, uneven surfaces or unkempt areas and ensure that the city maintains its aesthetic appeal. He also instructed that trees and fences be painted to enhance the city’s visual charm.

Speaking to the media, Mahapatra said, “Our goal is to create an unforgettable experience for our overseas guests. Bhubaneswar is not only a city of heritage and culture but also of warmth and hospitality. I urge all stakeholders to contribute to presenting our city in its best light.”

Mohapatra also appealed to the corporate houses, businesses and residents to actively participate in the cleanliness drive by maintaining their premises. This collaborative effort is intended to reflect the city’s hospitality and community spirit, he said.

With thousands of overseas guests from the country and abroad expected to attend the event, which is scheduled from January 8, different departments and agencies of the state government have been working tirelessly to ensure a memorable experience for all participants.

Teams from the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), and other departments are working round the clock to ensure the city is ready to host this prestigious event.

The wall paintings on Odisha culture now adorn the streets, while roadsides and public areas have been cleaned and beautified.

To provide a unique cultural experience to the guests, the city will host a food festival and tribal fair at the exhibition grounds, offering guests a taste of traditional Odia cuisine. Additionally, special arrangements have been made to transport NRIs to Puri in newly introduced double-decker buses to have Jagannath darshan and partake the temple’s prasad.

Senior officials, including BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil and BDA vice-chairman Tirumala Nayak, accompanied the minister during the inspection.