Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and child-centric urban environment, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and UNICEF Odisha have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop child-friendly public spaces across the city.
Under the initiative, 16 locations in different parts of Bhubaneswar will be transformed into safer, greener, and more engaging spaces where children can play, learn, and interact freely. These sites include a mix of parks, open areas, and everyday urban spaces that will be reimagined to prioritise children’s safety, well-being, and development.
As part of the partnership, UNICEF will provide technical guidance, design support, and global best practices for creating child-friendly public spaces, while BMC will fund and implement the projects at the city level. The initiative aligns with international urban development guidelines that promote inclusive planning and child-sensitive infrastructure.
Officials said the project aims to strengthen children’s sense of belonging in public spaces while encouraging physical activity, social interaction, and learning in safe surroundings. The collaboration reflects Bhubaneswar’s broader efforts to build a liveable, people-centric city that addresses the needs of its youngest residents.
The child-friendly spaces initiative is expected to serve as a model for other urban local bodies in Odisha and beyond, reinforcing the importance of integrating children’s perspectives into city planning and development.
-OdishaAge
