Bhubaneswar/Cuttack, Aug 31: Local Self-Government Day celebrations were marred by a series of protests in the twin cities over various pending civic works.
The Congress observed the day as a "Black Day" in Cuttack, while activists of a social organisation staged a demonstration in Bhubaneswar demanding completion of pending projects at the earliest.
Ignoring the protests, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) today inaugurated nine projects and laid foundation stones for another seven. The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) also inaugurated 15 projects and laid foundation stones of six projects.
The BMC, which began celebrations to mark Local Self-Government Day on August 29, has announced a total of 59 projects this year. The major projects are the foot-overbridge at Jayadev Vihar and water ATMs. Today, the BMC announced projects to develop more parks, water ATMs and hybrid toilets.
In another development, Congress councillors in Cuttack wore black badges and sat on a demonstration at the CMC office today accusing the state government of a bias towards Bhubaneswar. "The CMC has been neglected as not a single major development project has been announced for Cuttack, while many projects were inaugurated in Bhubaneswar to mark the day," said Cuttack Nagar Congress Committee president Mohammad Moquim.
He said CMC was struggling to complete several projects, including an art gallery, renovation of the ancient moat of Barabati Fort and a permanent portal at Debigada. "Although chief minister Naveen Patnaik had laid the foundation stone for the art gallery in 2010, the project is yet to take off," said Moquim.
Activists of Ekamra Janajagarana Mancha, a social organisation in Bhubaneswar, demonstrated in front of the BMC office demanding early completion of various projects, including renovation of the municipal hospital and restoration of Bindu Sagar and Kandara Pokhari at Old Town.
"Bindu Sagar is the oldest and most sacred pond in the city. The civic body had spent crores for its restoration, but the pond has not reclaimed its sheen. The BMC Hospital is another victim of civic apathy," said an activist of the organisation.
Bhubaneswar mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said they were committed to the welfare of the people and were doing their bit to provide quality services in the city.
"We laid the foundation stone for renovation of the municipal hospital today. Work will begin shortly. Our officials are also preparing a master plan for restoration of Bindu Sagar," said Jena.
CMC sources said they were not being able to complete various pending projects because of paucity of funds and lack of co-ordination among various departments.
"Several welfare projects, including shelter from homeless and transit house at two places, LED street lighting at CDA, have been inaugurated while steps are being taken for execution of new projects including development of parks under the Amrut scheme," said Cuttack mayor Minakshee Behera.
