CM Naveen Launches ‘AMA BHOOMI’ Initiative 

5T Initiative to Rejuvenate Open Spaces 

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik on Monday inaugurated the ‘AMA BHOOMI’ initiative (Assuring Mass Access through Bhubaneswar Open Space Ownership and Management) while launching Ananda Bana at Shankarpur in Bhubaneswar. This endeavor, spearheaded by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), aims to establish and uphold open spaces that foster well-being, sustainability, and a resilient urban environment in the state capital.

The strategic development and maintenance of these open spaces not only improve residents’ quality of life but also serve as a vital environmental intervention, mitigating urban heat island effects, increasing green cover, and promoting blueways. This marks a transformative phase for Bhubaneswar, advancing well-being, sustainability, and a healthier future.

Bhubaneswar has evolved into a vibrant urban hub, propelled by significant advancements in education, commerce, governance, and its status as the state capital. However, this progress has brought forth urban challenges necessitating innovative solutions to safeguard and improve citizens’ lives.

To address the growing need for open spaces in the capital, the initiative identifies five key assets: parks, playfields, multipurpose grounds (including cultural spaces, crematoriums, and durga mandaps), blueways (water bodies), and greenways (open spaces and corridors along public roads).

Under this policy, land will be developed into open spaces using various development models, establishing a dedicated fund, and implementing an institutional mechanism to address existing challenges in open space provision.

This initiative not only aligns the current state of open spaces with international standards but also outlines a comprehensive approach to organizing parks and open spaces in the city. To ensure successful implementation, the BDA has divided its approach into two components: “hardware” and “software.”

The “hardware” components involve land allocation based on national and international benchmarks with support from the General Administration (GA) Department. Financial resources will be managed with assistance from various government departments, and assets will be developed by government project executing agencies.

The “software” components entail establishing the AMA BHOOMI Division in BDA, serving as the cornerstone for overall initiative management. The AMA BHOOMI portal, equipped with user-friendly interfaces, facilitates administrative functions and public information dissemination. Comprehensive Facility Management Services (CFMS) will ensure seamless operation and maintenance of the infrastructure.

City Activation programs will also be extensively conducted to foster citizen ownership and participation. Through this holistic strategy, the BDA aims to not only enhance physical infrastructure but also cultivate community ownership and engagement, ultimately promoting sustainable development and growth in Bhubaneswar.