BDA should add the fourth T called transformation to its book :Niranjan Pujari

Bhubaneswar:1/9/17: Terming the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) a `Navratna’ institution created by the Odisha Government with a great vision, Housing and Urban Development Minister and BDA Chairman Niranjan Pujari, today called upon the development authority to concentrate on “effective transformation’’ of the city to a liveable, child-friendly and green city.

The Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the 35th Foundation Day of BDA. More than three decades ago the development authority was created as Bhubaneswar Regional Improvement Trust (BRIT).

Saying that the 3T of team work, transparency and technology has already been there in use, BDA should add the fourth T called transformation to its book as it has already proved its worth by coming as the No.1 Smart City proposal in the country.

Reminiscing the good old days in the Temple City, the minister said “the city was once famous for its unique cool breeze, but due to urban development the breeze is no longer felt in the core areas of the State Capital. With more green cover planning by BDA we should try to regain the lost cool breeze in the city. We have to bring back the cool breeze for our future generation.’’

He, however, proudly admitted before the august gathering that Bhubaneswar with its present green cover would beat every other city and given a choice of all beautiful cities in the world, he would prefer the former over others.

Speaking on the occasion BMC Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said BMC-BDA are like two sides of a coin and through the philosophy of “progress through partnership’’ we can ensure better growth and development of the Temple City.

However, he reminded that citizens need to have to ensure responsible behaviour towards the two organisations so that we all united could build a beautiful city and excelled through our Smart City planning.

While MLA Bhubaneswar (Central) spoke about how the city has transformed from the 14-acre planned township to the 15-lakh population State Capital and now has the geography from Nandankanan to Dhauli and Phulnakhara to IIIT and beyond, MLA (North) Priyadarshi Mishra said, BDA has come a long way with its promise of 35 years keeping it to the expectations of the citizens of Bhubaneswar

Among others, BDA Secretary Ramesh Chandra Rout, Additional Commissioner-cum-Member Enforcement Bhabani Shankar Chayani, BDA Planning member Sudhiranjan Mohanty and secretary BDA Employees Union Sabitarani Mohapatra spoke.

As the annual practice the authority also felicitated 10 meritorious students (children of its employees) by awarding a scholarship of Rs 5,000 each for securing 90 percent or above in the Class Xth examination