Naveen Patnaik, the chief minister, dedicated Anandabana to the public today. An official news release states that the chief minister took some time to enjoy the revitalizing atmosphere of Anandabana and recognized the fundamental elements of its beauty. Surrounded by verdant foliage and the calming sounds of the natural world, he fully submerged himself in the peaceful ambiance, establishing a strong connection with the placid environs.
Anandabana is committed to promoting a healthy urban environment and protecting green spaces. It seeks to improve the overall air quality index by implementing green infrastructure in urban areas, which is in line with the larger goal of environmental stewardship.
At the inaugural ceremony, also present were Kartik Pandian, Chairman of 5T (Transformational Initiatives), Nabin Odisha; Ashok Chandra Panda, Minister, Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department; Sulochana Das, Mayor, BMC; P K Jena Chief Secretary, Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Forest & Environment; D K Singh ACS, Steel & Mines -Cum- Chairman, OMC, Debidutta Biswal PCCF HoFF, Manoj V Nair Director Nandan Kanan Zoological Park, Balwant Singh, Vice-Chairman, Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), Sanjeet Kumar RCCF Bhubaneswar, DFO City Forest Division and other various department officials.
Under the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister, Anandabana has been conceptualized to ensure that the citizens of Bhubaneswar can continue to enjoy a vibrant and sustainable city life. The state government is undertaking significant initiatives in the redevelopment of forest areas to create “Urban Forests.” Anandabana represents one such endeavour in recreating urban forests within city life.
Anandabana spans over 89.05 acres and offers a range of amenities to its visitors. The amenities include ample vehicle parking space, benches for relaxation, gazebos, rain shelters, a children’s play area, public facilities, and kiosks serving healthy food. Beyond its recreational offerings, Anandabana also serves as a platform for nurturing future environmental leaders.