Bhubaneswar: Kataka has put in place elaborate security and eco-friendly measures for today’s grand immersion ceremony, as over 150 Durga Puja pandals are set to bring their idols to Devigada on the Kathajodi river bank.
As per reports, the Cuttack Municipal Corporation has built three temporary ponds, each eight feet deep, at Devigada to manage the rush in an environment-friendly manner. Besides, a separate pond has also been dug at Gopalpur for immersion of Durga idols from the outskirts. Hydra machines will be used to lift and immerse the idols. The immersion site has been barricaded and illuminated for the occasion, and a well has been dug to ensure sufficient water supply.
On Wednesday, Mayor Subash Singh and CMC Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota inspected the preparations.
It is learnt that the processions will start at 10 am after the ‘melani’ ritual. Committees will follow designated routes to reach Devigada, while those from the city’s outskirts will head to Gopalpur. The processions, which will feature folk dancers and musicians, are likely to continue late into the night.
To prevent pollution of the Kathajodi, the civic body has lined the temporary ponds with polythene. Excavators, tractors and sanitation teams have been deployed to clean the ponds immediately after immersion. Entry to the river embankment has been restricted, with only the designated entrance at Devigada to be used for bringing idols to the site. Light towers have been installed to help the immersion continue after dark.
On the security front, Commissionerate Police have made extensive arrangements for smooth conduct of the event. Over 1,300 CCTV cameras will monitor the traditional route from College Square to Devigada at Purighat via Ranihat, Manglabag, Nuapatna, Cantonment Road, Mastan Road, Mani Sahu Chhak, Buxi Bazaar, Barapathar, Tinkonia Bagicha, Dargha Bazaar, Jail Road and Choudhury Bazaar.
