2km of Raahgiri
Overwhelmed by the response to Raahgiri, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has decided to extend the route from Ram Mandir Square to Rupali Square. So, instead of 750 metres, residents will be able to have fun on a 2km stretch. Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said that initially Raahgiri was planned across Janpath, but to gauge public response it was restricted between Master Canteen Square and Ram Mandir. “Since Raahgiri has become very popular, we have decided to expand the activities,” said Jena.
Longer duration
The duration of Raahgiri has also been extended till 10am from this week. The duration was cut short by half an hour in the previous edition in view of the rising mercury. However, the new timing will be from 6am to 10am.
Picture perfect
For those who love taking pictures, a selfie kiosk will be added at the event this time. So, when you reach there make sure you take a snap and share your experience there.
Clean and green
To make people aware about the need to keep the city clean, the administration has included community cleaning in its list of activities. It will start at 9.30am.
Wheel away
The organiser has decided to earmark an exclusive area for cycling. Earlier, cyclists crowded the area between Master Canteen Square and Ram Mandir, nearly 750 metres, where other events were also held. Now, this area will be restricted to activities such as skating, painting and storytelling. Cyclists will get a 1.4km stretch for pleasure ride.
“It is a welcome step. Earlier, the area for cycling was too small,” said Jyoti Acharya, a student and a cyclist.
Scouts and guides
Volunteers from NCC, Scouts, Red Cross, school and college students and traffic volunteers will be roped in to ensure smooth running of the show. Officials and volunteers will be armed with
walkie-talkies for better co-ordination.
Games and fun
To make the show more vibrant, administrators have decided to introduce traditional Odia games. While marble-playing activities will be one of those, traditional Odia game, Puchi, exclusively played by girls in rural areas, will also be there. Humara Bachpan will run the game show.
“Raahgiri is here to promote healthy living in cities. This will be an attempt to inform urban people about the charm of the lesser-known games,” said a Humara Bachpan volunteer.
Extra space
Roller-skating is a big hit with the people, particularly children. This time, it will get two exclusive zones. One will be near the BJP party office at Ram Mandir and the other near Godavarish Sahitya Sansad.
“Besides cycling and roller-skating activities, other games and activities such as hoopla, football, cricket, aerobics and zumba will also be organised,” said a senior official of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority.
Traffic concern
With the stretch getting extended, many residents have raised concerns over possible traffic problems. However, when asked, assistant commissioner of police (traffic) Jatin Panda said:“We are yet to get any information about the new plans. We will convene a meeting with the civic officials and decide on the steps to be taken to manage traffic.”
Recognition
Bhubaneswar is gaining global media attention after coming first in the race to become a smart city. India representative of People’s Daily of China Zou Sang yesterday Jena and praised him for the initiatives, including Raahgiri.
