Bhubaneswar: Used spaces in Odisha capital are getting a makeover with mural paintings that also serve as the purpose of spreading awareness on cleanliness and gender equity, as a part of a unique initiative of Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL).

Unused space at the entrance of Telugu Basti in Saheed Nagar and a newly formed playground that earlier served as an open defecation site at Shanti Nagar slum in Kharvel Nagar have now undergone a makeover. BSCL General Manager Operations Bijay Kumar Singh said, "The beautiful paintings on the slums will not only provide a new look to the BTCD slums, but also provide awareness to gender-based issues and cleanliness. We are hopeful that the slum residents would be greatly helped by these initiatives.’’

From messages of social importance to helpline numbers, these brightly coloured and eye-catching paintings on walls of the houses, toilets and the entrance of slums utilise the open spaces for beautification and also promote awareness on socially relevant issues.

BSCL has the aim of changing the profiles of slum areas in Bhubaneswar, and these mural paintings, courtesy of city artists and art organisations is a step in that direction. Furthermore, a day care centre for children, plantation drives and youth programmes such as cricket matches are various activities, to be organised in days to come. Empowerment of girls, women, students and incorporation of senior citizens are also in the pipeline to aid in the Socially Smart Bhubaneswar Initiative of the Bhubaneswar Town Centre District slums by the BSCL.