As temperatures soar across Odisha’s capital, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stepped up with a smart, people-friendly solution.
Two new temporary cooling shelters were inaugurated today near Kalinga Chowk and the Fire Station, offering instant relief to thousands of daily commuters, senior citizens, children, and pedestrians battling the relentless heat wave.
Mayor Sulochana Das graced the occasion as the chief guest and formally unveiled both shelters. She was joined by Deputy Mayor Manjulata Kahar, Additional Commissioner Kailash Chandra Das, Zonal Commissioner Ashani A.L., and Parimal Upayukta N. Ganesh Babu.
Speaking after the inauguration, Mayor Sulochana Das said, “These shelters are a pilot project. We have placed them at high-footfall spots where hundreds wait for buses every day. If they prove successful, we will roll out more across the city.”
The shelters are thoughtfully designed using traditional, environmentally friendly methods. Instead of energy-guzzling air conditioners, the walls are lined with fresh bamboo mats and equipped with ceiling fans. Dedicated staff will spray water on the bamboo every hour to keep the air naturally cool and refreshing. Officials highlighted that this age-old technique not only lowers the temperature but also improves breathing and provides genuine comfort during peak summer.
With the heat wave showing no signs of letting up and thousands of people pouring into Bhubaneswar daily for work, these cooling havens are expected to prevent heatstroke cases and give tired citizens a much-needed shaded break.
