Bhubaneswar: Based on directives of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has always sought to reach out to each and every resident of the capital city. In line with it, the BMC on Tuesday launched a unique citizen connect programme ‘A day in a ward’ (ward re dine).
The programme, which was launched today from ward no. 67, aims at strengthening grassroots initiatives through participation of people. This outreach activity is designed to go to people and talk to them and widen the circle and intensity of community participation, the BMC said.
The programme started at about 6.30 am at Mini Park in front of Ekamra College. As chief guest of the programme Mayor of BMC Sulochana Das said, “Against our learning from Public Interface and Mo Ward meeting conducted last year for each ward of BMC, this programme is designed as per directives of our Chief Minister. BMC authorities have come to the citizens for interaction about possible development initiatives in the locality which will develop community ownership in different projects being taken up in the area”.
She also told about the number of road constructions, drain, place making and water bodies renovation in the ward. Expecting co-operation from public to make Bhubaneswar a good liveable city, she urged the citizens to come forward for a clean and green Bhubaneswar. Citizen’s co-operation will create community ownership, she added.
Speaking on the occasion, BMC Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange told, against the demand and issues, we are prioritising activities to be taken up each year and phase by phase. It is you people who can suggest in this context.
Following the directives of the Chief Minister, a day in a ward by BMC will gain the ground through such healthy discussions. Suggestions on development plan for football field, development of Sunderpada Hata, action against encroachment of Govt. land and utilising the same for community purpose and transportation from Lingaraj Passenger Halt to Lingaraj Temple are quite welcome. Based on the Govt. guideline stapes would be taken in this regard. He also urged the citizens to co-operate for segregation at source.
Today’s kick off programme was led by Mayor Sulochana Das and Corporator Madhusmita Pradhan in presence of Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange, Addl. Commissioner Suvendu Kumar Sahoo, Zonal Dy. Commissioner Priyabrata Padhy, City Engineer Aruna Kumar Nayak, Executive Engineer Suratha Kumar Sahoo, Daitary Behera and Sanitation Team members.
About 100 citizens comprising colony residents, villagers, SHGs, resident welfare association members and senior citizens joined in the programme.