Bhubaneswar: Cuttack Mayor Subhash Singh has urged Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to allow Bali Jatra upper ground to be used this year, saying limiting the fair to the lower ground hurts residents’ sentiments and undermines the festival’s heritage.
Speaking to reporters Monday evening, Singh warned that designating the upper ground solely for parking could worsen crowding and traffic.
The appeal comes after the district administration decided to restrict commercial stalls to the lower ground near Gadagadia Ghat, citing safety and crowd management. Officials said confining activities to one ground would make it easier to control visitor flow and enhance security.
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Singh has shared his letter with Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, the Chief Secretary and the District Collector.
Bali Jatra 2025 will be held from November 5 to November 12 across 60 acres. The fair will feature two cultural stages, shuttle buses for visitors and daily programs ending at 11pm.
PNN
