Patna: Cities across Bihar are set to get well-equipped and aesthetically designed parks, modeled on those in the capital, Patna. These parks will serve as green spaces for morning and evening walks while also providing play areas for children. The state government aims to develop them as “Happy Points” for urban residents.
In addition, vending zones will be designated for street vendors in all municipal bodies to bring order to urban spaces. The Urban Development and Housing Department has issued directives to all municipal corporations, municipal councils, and nagar panchayats to execute these plans.
Parks to Be Developed Across Municipal Bodies
Urban Development and Housing Department Secretary Abhay Kumar Singh has instructed municipal commissioners and executive engineers to develop at least one park in each municipal body. In larger cities, parks will be built on five-acre plots, with all projects given priority status.
Municipal bodies have been asked to submit proposals at the earliest, after which funding will be provided under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali and Amrit Yojana schemes. Alongside parks, officials have been directed to preserve water bodies, such as ponds, to enhance the urban ecosystem. In Darbhanga, three ponds have already been identified for conservation.
Vending Zones to Be Marked With White-Yellow Lines
To bring order to street vending, special zones will soon be demarcated in all urban areas. Municipal officials have been instructed to mark these zones with white or yellow lines before developing additional infrastructure for vendors.
Urban Development Minister Nitin Naveen has emphasized that while action against unauthorized vending must be taken, it should follow proper procedure. He has directed that the creation of vending zones be a key agenda item in the next departmental meeting.
Street Lighting: Clearing Old Bills Before New Tenders
In a separate development, municipal bodies have been granted autonomy to select agencies for streetlight installation. However, before new contracts are issued, officials must settle pending payments with the previous agency. The department has set a one-week deadline for this process, which includes assessing the streetlights already installed. Once cleared, tenders will be issued for new streetlight installations in urban areas.
