Bhubaneswar, Aug 31: Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) marked Local Self-Government Day with a grand celebration and a marathon inauguration of civic projects.

The event began with a flag hoisting ceremony at the BMC headquarters, led by Mayor Sulochana Das and Commissioner Chanchal Rana.

As part of the celebration, BMC unveiled 28 new projects across the city, including 12 ward offices, multiple parks and mini-parks, Mission Shakti homes, community centres, public toilets, and RCC drainage systems. These initiatives aim to enhance urban infrastructure and community welfare.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to inaugurate three major projects on Sunday, which includes: a 10-ton plasma pyrolysis facility to segregate and process sanitary napkins and diapers; a 150-ton material recovery centre in Palasuni, capable of recycling up to 50% of dry waste; a WhatsApp chatbot service for Bhubaneswar residents to report issues related to BDA, BMC, electricity, and water services. The AI-powered chatbot will be available in both English and Odia.

Additionally, the Chief Minister will distribute homes to 350 slum dwellers under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. In a progressive move, over 20 transgender and differently-abled individuals will also receive housing support.