Pradeep Singh

Cuttack: The Cuttack district administration has launched - Balijatra Riverfront Improvement Project or 'BARFI' for the beautification of the Mahanadi riverfront.

The local administration has roped in 54 students of two schools as eco observers who will submit reports to the authorities.

"We are going to have 421-acre land in the Ring Road area only; so, we are taking necessary steps to save it from environmental degradation. For this, we have roped in students to participate in the development project," said Bhabani Shankar Chaini, Cuttack Collector.

He further said that the students will submit reports as per their observation. "The district administration will look into the suggestions of the students as to what can be done and what all transformations they want," Chaini added.

As around 420-421 acres of area have been claimed following land reclamation and steps are on to make the entire zone environment-friendly and develop a cultural forest, said City DFO, Ashok Mishra adding that "With the inclusion of students in the project, we want to know what they want the area to look like."

"We will observe nature. We will become the eyes and ears of the collector so we have to report the changes happening every day. We are fortunate to have this opportunity," said a student.

"We are trying to develop the area into a tourist spot. We will be happy if foreign tourists visit this place," said another student.

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