To ensure that the capital city has better and safer footpaths and less encroachments over them, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday launched a dedicated vehicle named ‘Ghanta Gadi’ literally meaning bell vehicle. A special squad has been formed to look after encroachment issues on footpaths and roadsides.
It may be mentioned that mainly street vendors are occupying footpaths creating hurdles for pedestrians and traffic. So, to create a fear psychosis among the illegal encroachers and change the mindset of the common men, this vehicle would create a warning moment.
The Ghanta Gadi has a big bell, which would ring alarm in the minds of the encroachers. This vehicle will be monitored by the BMC Deputy Comm-issioner (Enforcement) with help of supervisors. The squad will move on in all the zones randomly without any prior notice. This model is already implemented in various leading cities of India including the National Capital Region, Ahmedabad and Kolkata.
The vehicle was inaugurated by local MP Prasanna Patsani in the presence of city BMC Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena, Deputy Mayor K Shanti and senior officials.
