Bhubaneswar: Following enthusiastic response to ‘Cycles4Change’ challenge, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday launched an operation to clear encroachments on footpaths and cycle tracks on busy thoroughfares of the city.
The Central Joint Enforcement Squad comprising the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Bhubaneswar Development Authority and the Commissionerate Police evicted the encroachments at AG Square, Sishu Bhawan, Rajmahal Square and roads near Indira Gandhi Park to keep cycle track open for cyclists.
The squad removed around 10 unauthorised vendors, cabins, tiffin kiosks which obstruct free movement of pedestrians and cyclists. The squad also imposed fine of Rs 5200 on some shopkeepers for occupying and dumping construction materials on cycle tracks at Bapuji Nagar. The eviction drive was also carried out on Airport-Patia stretch.
“The encroachment eviction drive will continue to free the cycle track and footpath to make ensure that pedestrians and cyclists shouldn’t face any difficulties while using the roads,” said BMC Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary.
On October 9, around 1000 cycling enthusiasts from the city thronged the Shishu Bhavan square to take on the ‘Cycles4Change’ challenge, a joint initiative of the BMC and the Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL). The event was organised to promote cycling as a public transport means in the city.
Also Read: Bhubaneswar Denizens Pedal To Take On ‘Cycle4Change’ Challenge
