As a helping hand to traffic police, BMC has been putting up modern traffic lights at major squares in the city; already six squares have been covered in PPP mode. We intend to install similar lights at three more junctions shortly. In line with our 'Progress through Partnership' slogan a couple of advertisers , banks like SBI and philanthropic institutions like Rotary Club, Lions Club & Marwari Yuva Manch have entered in to small ventures like provision of dustbins, uniforms to sweepers, good looking bus shelters and 'Jalachatra' during summer season all across the city. These PPP ventures may be small in magnitude; however, they have definitely far reaching implications
It is a new scheme formulated by BMC in association with Plant Lovers Association (PLA), Orissa Environmental Society (OES) & ICLEI-SA. Nominations are invited across the city from individuals & organizations who have contributed towards cleaning & greening Bhubaneswar. There are spot visits made to select the best nominations. Out of the 329 nos. received 48nos were found to be eligible for Nagarbandhu Samman. This has proved to be a good way of encouraging involvement of citizens.
Linking of a computerised Public Grievance Redressal System (PGRS) with the Citizen's Charter has been yet another initiative. Grievance disposal is monitored on a daily basis. A 24 hours toll free number has been publicised for easy access. Since the date of Citizen Charter's release on 6thDecember'2006, 13,473 grievances have been disposed out of 14,779 grievances received. This has helped us earn the confidence of citizens which is amply evident in our sessions of 'Citizen Interface'. Citizens are encouraged to assess the service quality of BMC through Citizen Report Cards (CRC). CRC enables us to make a self-assessment & improve ourselves further.
Its one of the major concerns of the city. Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) were requested to supplement BMC's fund earmarked for street lighting. Most of the uncovered stretches in the city are lighted now; 20 nos of hi-mast lights light up the major junctions and several ornamental three arm lights adorn small junctions. Focus is on to promote energy efficiency and energy conservation measures through adoption of solar energy sources. International Council for Local Environmental Initiative (ICLEI) is extending a helping hand in this regard.
Planned eviction of encroachments from major squares, main roads and through fares with immediate erection of fences and subsequent plantation are bearing fruits. Creation of public nuisance is being countered through issuance of notices and awareness campaigns. One good result of strong enforcement has been the first time collection of user charges to the tune of Rs.24,18,284/- from builders and developers.
In response to the demand of flower wholesalers & retailers of the city, BMC in association with Directorate Horticulture, Govt. of Orissa the first “Kusumavatika” (flower bazar) was grounded. 35 wholesalers and 200 retailers of the city and around are benefiting from this initiative. Besides, 11 flower kiosks have come up near various squares @ Rs.70,000/- per kiosk. 20 such kiosks are in the offing. The cost of the kiosk is being borne by the allottee and advertisers of the city who have been encouraged to come forward and cross-subsidize. The city is, indeed looking beautiful and flower vendors appear enthused.
All said and done, a city is judged by its standard of sanitation. Sanitation has, therefore, been the main focus of BMC. Privatisation of sanitation services, uniforms to sweepers, procuring citizen's signature on daily basis as an acknowledgement of the sanitation work done and strong monitoring of garbage lifting mechanism drastically improved the sanitation standard of the city.
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