Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik has received suggestions from his arch-rival bureaucrat turned politician and Bhubaneswar BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi on what steps should be taken for the development and beautification of the capital city.

The suggestions come at a time when the state government is struggling hard to overcome the mosquito menace and make Bhubaneswar clean and green ahead of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup that begins on January 13.

Before joining politics, Aparajita had served with the state government and also worked for a few years as the commissioner of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation.

In her letter to Naveen, Sarangi wrote, “There have been several deliberations on the issues pertaining to the city of Bhubaneswar and beyond with the residents. Over a period of time, many good suggestions have come from various quarters. These suggestions are the voices of people based on their life time experience.”

The letter comprises 20 points suggestions that include a comprehensive drainage master plan, renovation of existing water ponds within the city and rural areas, removal of encroachments from walking tracks, overhead electric wires to be underground, public toilets with proper maintenance system, development of water body as a water park, wall paintings on Odisha art and culture, removal of liquor shops from residential areas, a worldclass recreation centre, speedy grounding of capital region ring road construction work, maintenance of statues of eminent personalities, a museum depicting the life and works of King Kharavela, Khandagiri to be declared as ‘A World Heritage Site’ and light and sound system to be restarted in Khandagiri.

She also maintained that law and order issues should be given top priority in the city. Sarangi also argued for the rooftop solar system, rest sheds for labourers and streamlining of the parking system.