Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has initiated a plan to install solar-powered streetlights in 22 parks across the city, aiming to improve safety and beautify the parks, while promoting the use of renewable energy in urban infrastructure.As per the plan, the initiative will cover 11 major parks located in key locations of the city and 11 neighbourhood parks located in residential areas. BDA has planned to take up the project in two phases with a total investment of over Rs 63 lakh.The first phase will provide solar streetlights in prominent parks such as Biju Patnaik Park, Buddha Jayanti Park, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Park, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Park and Shyama Prashad Mukherjee Park, among others.The second phase will see installation of solar lights in children’s play areas of parks located in residential neighbourhoods, including Mahatma Gandhi Park, N-5 Park, Ananta Vihar Phase-III Park, Indradhanu Market Park and VIP Colony Park.Officials said that the move is part of efforts to make parks safer and more accessible for visitors, especially children and the elderly, during evening hours while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.“Many parks witness significant footfall from morning walkers, senior citizens and children. Adequate lighting is important to ensure safety and improve user experience. The project will also support the city’s sustainability goals,” BDA vice-chairman Chanchal Rana said.Residents welcomed the initiative, saying better lighting would encourage greater use of parks after sunset. “Many people finish work only in the evening and cannot use parks during the day. Improved lighting will make it easier for families and children to spend time outdoors,” Surasmita Das, a resident of Sailashree Vihar, said.Another resident, Rajesh Patnaik of Baramunda, said neighbourhood parks are important community spaces. “Children often continue playing till dusk, especially during holidays. Better illumination will make these parks more user-friendly and help parents feel more comfortable,” he said.Environmentalists also praised the decision, describing it as a positive step towards greener urban infrastructure. “Public parks are ideal locations for adopting renewable energy solutions. Such initiatives reduce the carbon footprint of civic infrastructure and create awareness among citizens,” environmentalist Bijay Mishra said.
