Cuttack: With Durga Puja celebrations set to begin tomorrow, Cuttack and Bhubaneswar cities are abuzz with activity, and the Fire Services Department has stepped up preparations to ensure the festival concludes safely.
All puja pandals in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar have been inspected for fire safety measures and issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
To maintain strict vigil, 24-hour control rooms have been set up in both cities, where senior officials will be present to monitor the situation. All pandals will remain under surveillance, and dedicated teams have been mobilised to respond swiftly to any emergency.
Highlighting the readiness, Umashankar Dash, DIG Fire Services, said, “Fire department has been reinforced in the twin city of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. More forces have been mobilised. No Objection Certificates (NOCs) have been issued to different puja mandaps after examining their fire safety provisions. 24×7 control rooms are working in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Senior officials are present at the control rooms. Extensive arrangements have been made for dewatering if there is waterlogging in any area. We are fully prepared.”
With the possibility of heavy rainfall during the puja days, the department has also arranged for quick dewatering measures in case of waterlogging. Citizens have been urged to cooperate with authorities to ensure a safe and joyous celebration.