Bhubaneswar: In a bid to curb pollution and promote green environment, the city administration comprising Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) has asked all its employees to come to office by bicycles or by walking at least once in a week.
The three organisations have already issued orders in this regard asking its employees including the outsourced staff not to use motorised vehicles while coming to office on Friday and instead use bicycle or reach office by walking.
Once the directive is implemented, around 400 staff of BMC, 800 of BDA and 100 employees of BSCL will be seen coming to office by pedalling bicycles. Apparently, about 1000 vehicles and 200 cars will remain off city roads on Fridays.
Speaking about the initiative, Chief Executive Officer of Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited Prem Chandra Chaudhary, said “The initiative is a step towards creating sustainable Smart Cities and contributing something for better city environment and indirectly putting some micro efforts towards better world environment and lessening the burden arising due to global warming and climate change.”
As per the Regional Transport Office (RTO) figures, while the city’s population as per the 2011 Census is around 10 lakh, there are more than 14 lakh vehicles in the city.
Concerned over vehicles outnumbering the human population, the State Government has already initiated work on developing a low-carbon mobility plan (LCMP) for the State Capital.
Secretary Bhubaneswar Cycling and Adventure Club Ajay Nanda said, “Cycling culture can be developed with a 360-degree approach. I am very happy about BSCL, BDA and BMC for asking their employees to come to office on cycle every Friday. Learning from this other Government organisations and corporate houses will also come forward and replicate the idea for a better and sustainable city.”