Bhubaneswar: In a first-of-its-kind initiative to provide relief to commuters during summer, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is installing reusable, environment-friendly vetiver screens at CRUT Bus Queue Shelters (BQS) across the city.
Under the umbrella of the Bhubaneswar Heat Action Plan, these “Cool Bus Stops” aim to provide much-needed relief to commuters during the scorching summer months. The facilities feature natural vetiver (khus) curtains combined with water sprinkling mechanisms that help lower ambient temperatures naturally.
The initiative was inaugurated at Satyanagar in the presence of Bhubaneswar Central MLA Ananta Narayan Jena and Mayor Sulochana Das.
Cool Bus Stop facilities are now operational at 10 key locations, including the ones near Damana Square, AG Square, Jaydev Vihar Square and Vani Vihar Square, among others, with plans to add 20 more in the coming days.
The eco-friendly vetiver screens act as natural coolants, while water mist systems further enhance the cooling effect.
This move aligns with BMC’s wider Sustainable & Net Zero initiatives under the Heat Action Plan, which also include solar-powered cool sheds (with water mist, ambient cooling, and drinking water facilities) at locations like Kalpana Junction and Fire Station Road, water kiosks, traffic sheds, and measures for animals and birds.
