In a decisive move to reclaim public spaces and ensure safety, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is launching an extensive city-wide drive. The initiative targets the removal of abandoned vehicles, makeshift cabins, and vendor carts littering various parts of the Odisha capital.
Citizen Complaints Prompt Civic Action
The crackdown comes as a direct response to numerous complaints lodged by concerned residents on The Times of India's Citizen Reporter portal. Citizens highlighted how these discarded items are causing significant obstruction and inconvenience in their daily lives.
One citizen reporter, Ridhima Acharya, detailed the severe problems caused by vehicles left on roads and footpaths. She pointed out that the issue is particularly acute in residential areas, where internal roads are blocked, disrupting even routine sweeping and cleanliness operations by civic workers. Acharya specifically shared pictures from the Satya Nagar flyover area, urging authorities to clear the scrap to aid the city's beautification efforts.
Echoing similar concerns, resident Sumiit Miishra posted on the portal about the neglected state of spaces under major flyovers. These areas, originally intended for greenery and public amenities, have instead become dumping grounds for abandoned vehicles and carts. Miishra cited locations like Laxmi Sagar, VSS Nagar, and Pokhariput, raising alarms over deteriorating urban aesthetics and potential safety hazards.
Mayor's Assurance and Planned Enforcement
Responding to the growing public outcry, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das assured that the civic body is taking the matter seriously. She stated that while periodic removal drives are already conducted, the BMC now plans to intensify its enforcement activities significantly.
"We are going to ensure that public spaces are free from such discarded vehicles and carts," Mayor Das told TOI. She also appealed to the city police to enhance patrolling to deter people from abandoning their property in public areas, emphasizing the need for disciplined public behavior.
Beyond Vehicles: The Issue of Makeshift Cabins
The problem extends beyond just old vehicles. Citizen reporter Akshay Badapanda highlighted another facet—the clutter created by abandoned makeshift vending cabins. These cabins, often left behind after BMC eviction drives against illegal hawking, remain on footpaths and roads.
This leftover clutter creates serious accessibility and safety issues for pedestrians, blocking their rightful passage. Badapanda's appeal to the civic authorities underscores the need for a comprehensive cleanup that addresses all forms of abandoned urban debris.
The BMC's upcoming drive represents a crucial step towards maintaining public safety and preserving the aesthetic appeal of Bhubaneswar. It signals a proactive approach by the administration, acting on citizen feedback to tackle urban decay and ensure the city's spaces are used as intended—for the benefit and mobility of all its residents.
