The proposed Low Emission Zone (LEZ) at ‘EkamraKshetra’ Heritage Zone in Bhubaneswar has a concept in place for development of LEZ around Lingaraj Temple. The ‘EkamraKshetra’ heritage zone (houses the famous Lingaraj Temple) was chosen to be developed as a LEZ. The concept visions to provide the people of this city as well as the visitors to this city a unique experience of cleaner air for better health. The concept was put in place by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) in their concept report on LEZ- Bhubaneshwar has some key elements for emission reduction within the zone such as Ambient Air Quality Monitoring and Communication, Green – Sticker System for the Local Resident’s Private Vehicles and Intensive Emission Monitoring of Resident’s Emission; Generator Sets, Promotion of EVs/ Shared EVs for Tourists; Un-Interrupted Electricity Supply; and Promotion of Cycling and Pedestrian Passage.
We have been engaged to prepare a detailed plan for EkamraKshetra Low Emission Zones (LEZ) for improving the urban air quality by incorporating socially/culturally relevant, technically sound and financially viable solutions with relevant measures traffic and transportation, replanning of the area, heritage conservation, tourism promotion with environmentally sensitive measures, emission control measures, plantation & landscaping, air quality monitoring, waste management and dust control to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in the selected area. The developed plans upon implementation are expected to demonstrate reduction of air pollution and improvement in air quality in the selected area, thereby enabling city to replicate similar measures. The planned LEZ, as envisioned by OSCPB is expected to provide the citizens of Bhubaneswar and the visitors to the city with clean air for better health and improved quality of life, through eco-sensitive planning, without compromising employment growth and ensuring preservation of diverse historical and cultural heritage.
