The temple city of Bhubaneswar is buzzing with excitement as the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) rolls out comprehensive preparations to ensure a peaceful, smooth, and vibrant Sharadiya Durga Puja.
Under the leadership of Mayor Sulochana Das, the administration has joined hands with the Commissionerate Police and over 170 puja committees to guarantee a memorable festive season for residents and visitors alike.
Major Relief for Puja Committees
In a landmark decision announced during the coordination meeting, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s government has completely waived land rent for government plots and spaces used by puja committees. This generous move has been widely welcomed by local organisers, easing financial burdens and allowing them to focus on grand community celebrations.
Environmental Sustainability and Zero Plastic
Aligning with green initiatives, the BMC has issued strict directives to make all puja mandaps eco-friendly. The use of single-use plastics and polythene bags is strictly prohibited across all pandals and surrounding areas. Furthermore, to protect the Daya and Kuakhai rivers from pollution, the BMC is constructing temporary artificial ponds where all idol immersions must take place.
Civic Infrastructure and Cleanliness
To handle the massive festive crowds, the civic body has put robust infrastructure plans into action:
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Special Sanitation Teams: Additional dustbins have been installed near pandals, backed by dedicated sanitation workers deployed for morning and evening cleaning shifts.
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Road Repairs: Swift restoration work is underway to fix potholes and damaged arterial roads caused by recent monsoon rains.
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Illumination: All streetlights across the capital are being repaired, with temporary lighting arrangements set up in darker lanes to ensure safe night travel for pandal-hoppers.
Safety and Security
Safety remains a top priority. Close coordination between the BMC, Commissionerate Police, and puja organisers emphasises rigorous traffic management, the installation of CCTV cameras, and crowd-control strategies. With meticulous planning and community cooperation, Bhubaneswar is all set to host a safe, clean, and joyous Durga Puja celebration.
