Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated Anandabana, a sprawling green heaven, to the citizens of Bhubaneswar. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the Chief Minister immersing himself in the rejuvenating aura of Anandabana, appreciating the essence of its beauty amidst lush greenery and the soothing melodies of nature.
Anandabana, spanning over 89.05 acres, is a testament to the state’s commitment to preserving green spaces and fostering a healthy urban environment. The Chief Minister, recognizing the importance of such initiatives, emphasized the role of green infrastructure in enhancing the overall air quality index and aligning with the broader vision of environmental stewardship.
Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Anandabana has been conceptualized to ensure that Bhubaneswar’s citizens can continue to enjoy a vibrant and sustainable city life. The state government’s initiatives in the redevelopment of forest areas, creating “Urban Forests,” find expression in Anandabana, which represents a remarkable endeavor in recreating urban forests within the city.
Anandabana offers a range of amenities across its vast expanse, including 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, the site serves as a platform for nurturing future environmental leaders.
The carefully planned features of Anandabana include 550 meters of rock trails, 32,750 square feet of water bodies, and the implementation of 12,000 Miyawaki plantations using the Japanese Miyawaki technique to preserve biodiversity. Furthermore, the site boasts 1,000 meters of soil trails, 3,830 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.
Encouraging citizens to preserve and nurture the natural heritage, the state government emphasizes the importance of health and fitness through Anandabana. This initiative aims to foster a profound sense of connection to the environment among the residents of the capital city, offering a serene environment where people can experience tranquility through all five senses in what can be described as the “Anandabana.”
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. Anandabana stands as a shining example of sustainable urban development and a gift to the citizens of Bhubaneswar.