Cuttack: The district administration and the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) have decided to organise this year’s Baliyatra in a unique way.
For the first time, the district administration and the civic body of the city will organise Patha Utsav (street festival) during the annual Baliyatra, one of the biggest trade fairs in state.
According to sources in the district administration, the street festival will be organised from 6.30 am to 9 am everyday during the mega fair. Various cultural troupes will perform at the Patha Utsav. “People can enjoy cycling and skating at the street festival,” said a source in the administration.
Similarly, the administration has decided to make two temporary ponds at the fairground to provide boating facility to the visitors.
“We will welcome local artistes and cultural troupes who are interested to perform at this year’s Baliyatra,” said Collector Bhabani Shankar Chayani.
It is learnt that the CMC will arrange adequate number of toilets and drinking water kiosks at the fairground. Besides, the civic body will ensure parking facility and proper sanitation during the mega event.
“Local volunteers will be roped in for the smooth organisation of Baliyatra. We will arrange toilet and drinking water facility for the visitors,” said CMC commissioner Ananya Das.
According to sources, the administration will form four special teams to check food quality at various eateries at the fairground.
“We will bring four food safety officers on deputation to Baliyatra after getting the approval of Director of Health and Food Safety Commissioner. We will impose penalties starting from Rs 100 to Rs 10,000 on eateries selling stale foods,” said food inspector Bhabani Lenka.