H&UD Minister visits Bhubaneswar parks, advocates urban green spaces

Bhubaneswar, July 2: Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra today visited prominent parks and gardens across Bhubaneswar. Joined by Vice-Chairman of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) Balwant Singh and other officials, the Minister's morning itinerary included Anandabana, the State Silviculture Garden at Ghatikia, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Park at Kalinga Nagar, and the Waste to Art Park at K-7, Kalinga Nagar.
At Anandabana, Bhubaneswar's premier urban forest park sprawling over 89.05 acres, the Minister inspected various amenities such as the open library, amphitheatre, parking spaces, and more. He also planted a Swarna Champa sapling and proposed the development of a flower garden to support local livelihoods. Expressing his vision for similar parks across the city, he highlighted the park's facilities including benches, rain shelters, a children's play area, and healthy food kiosks.
At the Waste to Art Park in K-7, Kalinga Nagar, covering 4.5 acres and developed by the BDA, the Minister directed officials to expedite redevelopment efforts. Plans for the park include sports facilities like roll ball, skating, and basketball, alongside flower bed trails, landscaping elements, and sculptures.
During his visit to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Park, managed by the BDA, the Minister emphasized the need to accelerate ongoing redevelopment and proposed initiating a light and sound show to enhance visitor experiences.
At the State Silviculture Garden, a collaborative effort between the BDA and Forest Department, the Minister urged officials to swiftly complete ongoing development and prepare for public opening.