Bhubaneswar, July 4: The administration is beautifying the capital city with paintings and graffiti to promote the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship 2017.
After painting several boundary walls of the city with illustrations depicting sporting activities and graffiti for the championships, the administration has now shifted its focus to the flyovers and junctions along the NH-5.
The government has tied up with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the job since its their property. The junctions -Vani Vihar and Jayadev Vihar - have been wearing a new look with beautiful paintings depicting sports.
"The paintings at the Jaydev Vihar junction have been completed and the work at the Vani Vihar junction is on the verge of completion. The same will be replicated at CRPF Square in the next two days," said mayor Ananta Narayan Jena.
The government has not left any stone unturned to beautify the vicinity of the Kalinga Stadium with art and sculpture. A wave installation has been put up in front of gate No. 2 of the stadium, which reflects the handloom resources of the state. The installation depicts Sambalpuri textile.
"We have also decided to put up a moving sculpture in front of gate Nos.2 and 9 of the stadium. This sculpture will depict the life and tradition of the state," said a civic body official.
However, the beautification work has been hit due to the visit of BJP president Amit Shah. The party members have put up posters and hoardings to welcome Shah, which has covered the paintings on the flyovers.
Besides, the BJP flags installed on the city medians washed off the efforts of the city administration, which had welcomed the 45 participating countries by putting their flags on Janpath and Bidyut Marg.
BJP flags have been installed just below the flags of the participating countries on the medians distracting the line of view of the citizens.
"The BJP is aware that the city is being beautified for the athletics meet. Ruining it in such a manner is not a wise step. They should remove the posters and the flags voluntarily else if the administration does it, there will be a controversy, which the city presently can't afford," said Niranjan Hota, a resident of Jayadev Vihar.
