Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and UNICEF Odisha signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today at the BMC Office to transform the city’s urban landscape into safer, greener, and more child-friendly spaces.
A Child-Friendly Space is a safe, inclusive, and green area where children can easily and freely play, learn, and be active. It is not just a traditional playground; it is a space designed specifically to support a child’s everyday needs and development.
Emphasizing that there must be more and more child-friendly spaces in the city, Prasanta Dash, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Odisha, said, “Play is not a luxury—it is a right. When children are given the freedom to explore, imagine, and create, they grow healthier and more confident. These spaces will allow children to learn through play, connect with nature, and feel a sense of belonging in their communities. UNICEF is proud to support BMC in building a city that truly works for its children.”
This initiative begins with transforming 16 diverse locations across three zones in Bhubaneswar. These locations are not just traditional parks; the project reimagines the very fabric of the neighborhoods, turning everyday streets, local playgrounds, and underused corners into vibrant, safe havens where children can truly feel at home.
Mayor Sulochana Das, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, shared her thoughts behind the initiative: “We want our children to step outside their homes and find places that feel safe, welcoming, and truly theirs, where there will be places to play, breathe fresh air, and grow. These 16 neighborhoods mark the beginning of a new way of thinking about our city. This initiative is more than a project; it is our promise to our youngest citizens.”
Highlighting the safety and community benefits, Chanchal Rana, the Commissioner of BMC, said, “When we design our streets and public spaces better, children feel safer—and so does everyone else. Simple things like excellent lighting, calmer traffic, and welcoming spaces can change how a neighborhood feels. These child-friendly spaces are our way of making Bhubaneswar safer, stronger, and more caring for every child.”
Under this partnership, UNICEF will provide technical expertise in design, collaborating with the Department of Planning & Architecture at NIT Rourkela. The BMC has fully committed city funds for the construction and long-term maintenance of these areas.
Globally, SPACES is a new guide developed by UN-Habitat, UNICEF and WHO to help governments, urban planners and partners create and improve safe, inclusive and child-friendly public spaces.
SPACES provides a practical framework based on six principles – Safety, Play, Access, Child Health, Equity and Sustainability – and offers guidance for planning, designing and managing public spaces, along with tools and examples from cities across diverse contexts.
