Battery cars, online kiosks to be top draws at Patha Utsav

BHUBANESWAR: In an effort to help the elderly and physically challenged move around with ease, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to provide battery-operated vehicles at Patha Utsav venues every week .
The move comes after the civic body noted how senior citizens and the differently abled faced difficulties going from one show site to another along the one-kilometre-long stretch of the venue.
The battery-operated vehicle will be available till the end of the programme."It will take people from the Master Canteen up to Ram Mandir square," said a BMC spokesperson.
The BMC has also decided to open a social media kiosk from which people coming to participate in the events can share their thoughts and pictures, which will be posted in the Facebook page of the festival. Designated officials will be appointed to take pictures and videos of people, which will be posted in the site right away. Visitors can also add their comments to others' photographs.
"People contribute their suggestions so that we may improve upon some events," said a BMC officer.
Also coming up is a new yoga corner, which will be opened by the Ayush wing of the health department.
To celebrate International Mountain Day next Sunday, a painting contest will be organised on the same theme. Music and dance shows will be held on the two podiums located at either end of the venue. The BMC has decided to appoint 50 of its employees to maintain discipline throughout the event. The commissionerate police has also been requested to oversee the security arrangement on the day.