Odisha Govt Plans Comprehensive Rejuvenation of Urban Parks

Bhubaneswar: In a decisive step to enhance urban liveability and protect public assets, Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra has directed the Department to prepare a comprehensive, time-bound action plan for the beautification, modification and holistic improvement of parks across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Odisha.

Reviewing key urban initiatives on Tuesday, the Minister said the park rejuvenation drive would extend beyond Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to cover the entire State. Referring to his recent visit to Indira Gandhi (IG) Park in the capital city, Dr. Mahapatra expressed serious dissatisfaction over its condition and observed that similar issues of neglect and poor maintenance persist in several urban parks.

Emphasising the importance of green spaces, the Minister said parks are not merely recreational areas but vital social, environmental and cultural assets that significantly contribute to public health, well-being and the overall quality of urban governance. He underlined that the condition of parks reflects the efficiency and sensitivity of civic administration.

Dr. Mahapatra laid special stress on the upkeep of statues installed in parks, stating that statues of eminent personalities and historical figures must be maintained with dignity and respect. Any negligence in their maintenance, he said, amounts to disregard for public sentiment and the State’s cultural heritage.

Taking a stern view of administrative lapses, the Minister warned that strict disciplinary action would be initiated against officials and agencies responsible for substandard maintenance or dereliction of duty. He asserted that accountability would be fixed wherever shortcomings are identified.

The Minister directed the Department to issue immediate and clear instructions to all ULBs, defining responsibilities, timelines and quality benchmarks for park rejuvenation. He also called for regular monitoring, periodic inspections and proper budgetary planning to ensure sustainable improvements rather than one-time cosmetic measures.

Reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to creating clean, green, inclusive and citizen-friendly urban spaces, Dr. Mahapatra said well-maintained parks play a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability, community interaction and healthy lifestyles. He stressed that citizens across Odisha must have access to safe, aesthetically pleasing and well-managed public spaces.

The Housing & Urban Development Department has been instructed to take prompt follow-up action and implement the Minister’s directives in a mission-mode approach across the State.