Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has decided to engage a professional agency for the operation and maintenance of playgrounds revived across the city under Smart City’s B-Active programme and Ama Bhoomi initiative.The urban planning body of the BDA has already rejuvenated 19 playgrounds in and around Bhubaneswar with an aim to promote sports, physical activity and community engagement.To ensure proper upkeep and sustained public use of these facilities, the BDA has floated a request for proposal (RFP), inviting experienced agencies to manage the playgrounds’ day-to-day operations and maintenance.According to the RFP, the selected agency will be responsible for comprehensive facility management of the playgrounds, including maintenance of playing surfaces and sports infrastructure, landscaping, cleanliness, sanitation and security.The agency will also remain responsible for regulation of public access. The agency will also deploy adequate trained manpower and necessary equipment at each site to ensure smooth operations.The scope of work includes opening and closing of playgrounds as per prescribed timings, supervision of activities, prevention of encroachment, maintenance of grass fields, courts, lighting systems, seating areas, boundary walls and toilets wherever available.Regular cleaning, waste management and upkeep of drinking water facilities will also form part of the assignment. The BDA officials said that the move aims to ensure long-term sustainability of the playgrounds, while keeping them safe, accessible and usable for citizens of all age groups.“With professional management in place, the focus will be on maintaining service standards and encouraging greater community participation in sports and recreational activities,” BDA vice-chairmain Chanchal Rana said.The contract will initially be awarded for a period of 12 months, with provision for extension, based on performance. The agency will be selected through a quality- and cost-based selection process.The 19 playgrounds include facilities located at govt schools, residential neighbourhoods and community spaces across Bhubaneswar, covering both school and non-school playgrounds.These playgrounds form part of BDA’s broader initiative to improve access to organised sports and open spaces amid rapid urbanisation. The authority has set April 20 as the deadline for finalising the agency.“Open spaces have become rare these days, especially amid rapid urbanisation. It is a bold and timely step by the BDA to not only revive but devise plan for proper upkeep of the playgrounds,” environmentalist Bijay Mishra said.
