Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) celebrated its 43rd Foundation Day today with the inauguration of a new park and playground at K9B in Kalinga Vihar. The facilities were inaugurated by Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister for Housing & Urban Development and Public Enterprises and 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 ₹5.5 crore. The facility is equipped with modern amenities such as an open gym, yoga pindi, walking track, toilets, changing rooms, sprinkler irrigation with an underground reservoir, and a secure compound wall. Officials informed that the BDA is simultaneously developing 20 playgrounds across the city at a total estimated cost of ₹98 crore, with 19 nearing completion.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Sulochana Das, Mayor of Bhubaneswar, Babu Singh, MLA of Bhubaneswar Ekamra, Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of H&UD, and Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, Vice Chairman of BDA.
Later in the day, the Foundation Day programme was held at Jaydev Bhawan, where Dr. Mahapatra 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. MLA Babu Singh urged the authority to focus on housing projects for the city’s growing homeless population. Vice-Chairman Naik reaffirmed BDA’s commitment to sustainable development, while employee representative Samir Mohanty reiterated the demand for a pension scheme for BDA staff.
On the occasion, the Minister also unveiled BDA’s Annual Report. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Snigdharani Dhal, Additional Commissioner (Establishment) of BDA.
