Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today launched the ‘AMA BHOOMI’ initiative (Assuring Mass Access through Bhubaneswar Open Space Ownership and Management), while inaugurating Ananda Bana at Shankarpur in Bhubaneswar.
This is a 5T initiative taken up by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) with an objective to create and maintain open spaces promoting well-being, sustainability, and a resilient urban landscape in the state capital. Ace Mandarin, Balwant Singh, VC BDA has worked tirelessly to set up this green initiative.
Minister Ashok Panda, Chief Secretary P K Jena, ACS Forest & Revenue Satyabrata Sahu, VC BDA and OMC MD Balwant Singh, Mayor Sulochana Das and others graced the occasion.
The strategic creation and maintenance of open spaces will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also serve as a crucial environmental intervention, fostering a more climate-resilient environment by mitigating urban heat island impacts and increasing the city’s green cover and blueways.
It beckons a transformative era for Bhubaneswar, promoting well-being, sustainability, and a healthier future.
In order to meet the growing requirement for open spaces in the State capital, five distinct assets including parks; playfields; multipurpose grounds such as cultural spaces, crematoriums and durga mandaps; blueways (water bodies) and greenways (open spaces and corridors along public roads) will be identified under the initiative.
Under this policy, land will be developed as open spaces through development models, establishing a special fund, and implementing an institutional mechanism to address the challenges in the present system for open space provision.
This initiative not only bridges the gap between the current state of open spaces and the required international standards but also outlines a comprehensive and systematic approach towards organizing parks and open spaces in the city.
For the successful implementation of this initiative, the BDA has strategically divided its approach into two key components: “hardware” and “software.”
The “hardware” components include earmarking of land as per national and international benchmark with the support of the General Administration (GA) Department. Additionally, the financial resources will be managed with the help from various government departments while development of assets will be done with the help of various government project executing agencies.
On the other hand, the “software” components cover the establishment of the AMA BHOOMI Division in BDA, serving as the cornerstone for the overall management of this initiative.
The AMA BHOOMI portal, featuring user-friendly interfaces has been developed for both administrative functions and public information dissemination.
The dedicated Comprehensive Facility Management Services (CFMS) will ensure seamless operation and maintenance of the infrastructure. And lastly, City Activation programs will be conducted extensively, fostering a sense of ownership and participation among the citizens.
The Chief Minister has dedicated Anandabana to the people today. Patnaik spent some time in the rejuvenating aura of Anandabana and appreciated the essence of its beauty.
Surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing melodies of nature, he immersed himself in the tranquil atmosphere, connecting deeply with the serene surroundings.
Recognizing the importance of preserving green spaces and fostering a healthy urban environment, Anandabana aims to establish green infrastructure in the urban landscape to enhance the overall air quality index, thereby aligning with the broader vision of environmental stewardship.
Anandabana has been conceptualized to ensure that the citizens of Bhubaneswar can continue to enjoy a vibrant and sustainable city life. The State Government is undertaking significant initiatives in the redevelopment of forest areas to create “Urban Forests.” Anandabana represents one such endeavour in recreating urban forests within city life.
Anandabana, spans over 89.05 acres and offers a range of amenities to its visitors. The amenities include ample vehicle parking space, benches for relaxation, gazebos, rain shelters, a children’s play area, public facilities, and kiosks serving healthy food. Beyond its recreational offerings, Anandabana also serves as a platform for nurturing future environmental leaders.
The site features 550 meters of rock trails, 32750 square feet of water bodies, enhancing the serene ambiance and providing habitats for various aquatic species.
Furthermore, Ananda Bana offers 1000 meters of soil trails and 3830 meters of bicycle trails, with 69 different types of medicinal plants planted and 10,000 urban plantations, contributing to urban greening efforts and enhancing the overall environmental quality of the surrounding area. Anandabana will provide a unique and enriching experience for all.
Planned and executed under the principles of 5T, Ananda Bana exemplifies effective inter-departmental coordination and teamwork. Active involvement from government bodies including Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), Odisha Mining Corporation Limited (OMC) and City Forest department underscores a collective commitment to advancing environmental stewardship and creating greener and more livable cities across Odisha.
