Bhubaneswar: In a step towards a Net Zero and Sustainable Bhubaneswar, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has installed smart solar benches on a pilot basis at prominent public places. This is the first such initiative in Odisha.
The solar-powered benches not only light up at night but also provide mobile charging facilities.
“It is very useful for us as it has a mobile charging point. The bench is quite comfortable, protects from sunlight, and lights up at night so we don’t need to panic after dark,” said a student.
Another student urged BMC to install more such benches across the city, particularly in student-populated areas.As part of the pilot project, BMC has installed two benches at Saheed Nagar in front of Ramadevi University.
The initiative will later be expanded to other parts of the city.“Smart benches will be installed at 30 more locations, especially in college and university areas,” said a BMC official.
“We are getting positive feedback from the public. So, we are planning to install more at 25-30 places across the city,” the official added.
