Bhubaneswar: In a first-of-its-kind initiative to provide relief to commuters during summer, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to install vetiver (khus) curtains at select bus queue shelters across the city.The eco-friendly cooling measure will be taken up on an experimental basis at 10 identified bus stops in the first phase, officials said. The bus queue shelters include the ones near Damana Square, AG Square, Jaydev Vihar Square and Vani Vihar Square, among others.The civic body has floated a short quotation call notice inviting agencies for the supply and installation of structural steel frameworks along with specialised vetiver curtains at designated bus queue shelters.The move comes amid rising temperatures and growing complaints from commuters about inadequate protection from heat while waiting for buses. “Waiting at the bus stop during peak summer hours is unbearable,” said Anita Tripathy, a commuter near Damana.According to officials, the vetiver curtains, made from aromatic roots, when periodically wetted, are expected to lower the ambient temperature inside the shelters through natural evaporative cooling, offering relief from extreme heat.
“This is a sustainable and low-energy solution. Vetiver curtains have been traditionally used for cooling, and we are adapting it for public infrastructure for the first time in select bus queue shelters in high-footfall areas,” said city mayor Sulochana Das.In the first phase, shelters at Damana Square, Fire Station Square, Jaydev Vihar Square, Rajdhani College, Rasulgarh Square and Vani Vihar Square, covering both up and down directions, have been selected for the pilot project.The list of locations, however, may be modified depending on site feasibility and field conditions, officials added. The work order, once awarded, will require completion within 15 days.The selected agency will also be responsible for installing a proper wetting or water-sprinkling arrangement to ensure the effectiveness of the vetiver curtains throughout the summer.Civic officials said the project will be closely monitored to assess its impact.
“If commuters find it effective and maintenance is manageable, we may consider expanding the concept to more bus queue shelters across the city,” the officials added.Bhubaneswar has witnessed a steady rise in temperatures in recent years, with bus stops often offering little respite from direct heat. Daily commuters welcomed the move, hoping the natural cooling method would make waiting at bus shelters comfortable.
