Bhubaneswar: In a one-of-its-kind initiative, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to set up a ‘Cultural Corridor’ in the city to promote Odisha’s rich and diverse art and culture.
As per the decision, taken at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Additional Commissioner of BMC Abanikanta Patnaik on Tuesday, the stretch from Rama Devi Women’s University to Rupali Square along Janpath – the city’s prime business corridor – will be converted into the Cultural Corridor.
Special kiosks will be put up to showcase and sell famous items or indigenous products from different parts of the state along the stretch. Around 30 Smart Vending Kiosks will offer Koraput coffee, Kandhamal turmeric, Pipili applique and others.
“We have decided to keep the Rupali Square stretch reserved for putting up special kiosks to showcase unique products the state,” said Patnaik.
BMC Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary said the purpose behind this initiative is to make the city more attractive for visitors and tourists and promote Bhubaneswar as a happening city of India.
“Apart from promoting culture, the initiative will help boost the livelihood of many people, mostly the underprivileged ones, artisans and tribal people as they will get a big platform to showcase and sell their products,” Chaudhary said.
The BMC Commissioner will write a letter to all district collectors in the state seeking one representative from their district who can represent their area at the city level.
BMC South-East Zonal Deputy Commissioner Anshuman Rath, who was present in the meeting, said civic amenities such as one e-toilet and police desks among others will be made available on the stretch. “Eviction will be conducted on the stretch to make it free from encroachment and then it will be handed over to BSCL,” he added.
Deputy Commissioner Pramod Prusty and officials from the Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited were present at the meeting.
