Bhubaneswar, 10 December (H.S.): In a move aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities for citizens, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has announced that all its parks will remain open throughout the day on weekends, starting December 13. This decision comes in response to repeated requests from morning walkers, fitness enthusiasts, and other park visitors.
Under the revised schedule, all BDA-managed parks will now operate from 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, eliminating the usual afternoon closure. The change is intended to encourage the public to utilize the city’s green spaces for leisure, fitness, and social gatherings.
BDA has also clarified that Indira Gandhi (IG) Park will remain open from 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM every day of the week, ensuring uninterrupted access even on weekdays. For other parks, weekday timings will remain unchanged, with morning hours from 5:00 AM to 11:30 AM and evening hours from 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Updated timing boards will soon be displayed at the entrances of all parks.
Speaking on the decision, BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana said, “Keeping the parks open without an afternoon break on weekends provides residents greater flexibility to enjoy their time. We urge all visitors to maintain cleanliness and follow park rules.”
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda