Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) celebrated its 43rd Foundation Day on Monday with the inauguration of a new park and playground at K9B in Kalinga Vihar.
The facilities were inaugurated by Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, who is also the Chairman of BDA.
Spread across 2.3 acres, the playground has been complemented by a 1.36-acre park, both developed at an estimated cost of Rs 5.5 crore. The facility is equipped with modern amenities such as an open gym, yoga platform, walking track, toilets, changing rooms, sprinkler irrigation with an underground reservoir, and a secure compound wall.
Officials said the BDA is simultaneously developing 20 playgrounds across the city at a total estimated cost of Rs 98 crore, with 19 nearing completion.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, MLA Babu Singh, Principal Secretary of H&UD Usha Padhee, and BDA vice Chairman N Thirumala Naik.
Later in the day, a programme was held at Jaydev Bhawan, where the Minister graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Dignitaries including Mayor Sulochana Das, MLA Babu Singh, BDA Vice-Chairman Naik, Secretary Manas Ranjan Padhi, and Samir Mohanty, President of the BDA Karmachari United Forum, were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Mahapatra stressed on the importance of strategic urban planning to manage Bhubaneswar’s rapid growth. He called for stronger collaboration between authorities and citizens to enhance the city’s green cover, improve drainage and sewerage systems, and transform Bhubaneswar into a world-class city.
Mayor Das highlighted BDA’s vital role in promoting inclusivity and addressing urban challenges posed by climate change.
Vice-Chairman Naik reaffirmed BDA’s commitment to sustainable development.
On the occasion, the Minister also unveiled BDA’s Annual Report.
