Sambalpur municipal corporation has planned to develop five new parks in the city. The State Government has sanctioned Rs.1.03 crore for this development.
Municipal Engineer of SMC Basanta Padhy said the parks are being developed at Gobindtola, in front of the office of Regional Transport Office (RTO) at Sambalpur, Sriram Vihar at Burla, near Jagannath Temple and Government ITI at Hirakud.
While the park at Gobindtola is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs.20 lakh over half an acre of land, the park in front of the office of RTO is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs.23 lakh over half an acre of land.
Similarly, the park at Burla is being developed at Rs.40 lakh over 1.5 acre of land while the park at Hirakud is being constructed at Rs.10 lakh over half an acre of land and the one near Government ITI will also be developed over half an acre of land at an estimated cost of Rs.10 lakh.
The SMC has planned to construct walking tracks, lawns, gardens and benches in the parks. Apart from this, playing equipment will also be installed for children.
Despite being upgraded into a city, Sambalpur lacks both entertainment and recreational spots. The few that exist are located far off and can not be ventured into on a daily basis.
Convenor of Progressive Sambalpur, Sanjit Mohanty said apart from the five parks, SMC should also work on development of the existing parks. Adequate lighting facility and security arrangement should be made in all the parks. If required, a token entry fee be charged so that there is a sense of responsibility among the people for the upkeep of the park, he added.
