Cuttack: Baliyatra, one of the biggest trade fairs of Odisha, is scheduled to begin November 12, said an official of the district administration.
The trade fair will continue for eight days. This year’s Baliyatra will be jointly organised by the Cuttack district administration, district cultural council and the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), added the official.
A preparatory meeting for the mega fair was recently held under the chairmanship of district collector Bhabani Shankar Chayani here. CMC commissioner Ananya Das, additional collector Bijay Kumar Khandayatray, chief district medical officer Satyabrata Chhotray, Cuttack Sadar sub-collector Shubhranshu Mishra and other senior officials were present at the meeting.
“This year’s Baliyatra will be organised in accordance with the Mo Sarkar and 5-T initiatives of the state government. The preparatory meeting dealt with issues related to law and order, drinking water, sanitation and public health,” said the official.
Presiding over the meeting, Chayani asked the Public Works department to repair all roads connecting the Baliyatra ground. Besides, the CMC has been asked to lay a few temporary roads at the fairground.
“We have planned to deploy a few battery operated vehicles for better communication at Baliyatra ground. We will seek the help of Tourism and Forest departments for the purpose,” said the collector.
As per a decision taken at the meeting, the administration will issue identity cards to all stall owners at the fair that commemorates the ancient maritime glory of Odisha.
Each stall at Baliayatra will have its own dustbin. There will be separate vending zones for small traders and vendors. No stall owner will be allowed to provide illegal electricity connection to others, said the official.
“Special attention will be given on proper sanitation at the trade fair. The administration will impose a ban on the use of polythene at Baliyatra. At least four committees will be constituted to check food quality at the mega fair,” said CMC commissioner Ananya Das.
The meeting has decided to install adequate number of CCTV cameras and watch towers at the fairground. The district administration will open a temporary information centre at the fair.
“Each stall would have its own fire safety system. Adequate space would be made available at the fairground for quick movement of ambulances and fire engines in case of any emergency,” added the official.
