Kataka: There will be no restriction on the entry of common people to the Baliyatra ground during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit for the inauguration of this year’s historic fair, Odisha DGP Vinaytosh Mishra said on Saturday.
He said elaborate security and traffic arrangements would be put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the President’s visit. Alternative routes would be earmarked to facilitate public movement to the Baliyatra ground, while ensuring that visitors face no inconvenience.
This year’s Baliyatra will be special as President Murmu will inaugurate the historic festival for the first time. The main attraction of the event will be an International Boat Race, while steps are also being taken to address network connectivity issues at the fairground.
Kataka District Collector Dattatreya Bhao Saheb Shinde said the President had accepted the state government’s invitation to attend the inaugural ceremony.
As per the schedule, the President will arrive at the Silver City Boat Club at 5 pm and travel by a specially arranged boat to Gadagadia Ghat on the Mahanadi, where she will perform the traditional Boita Bandana.
Following the ritual, she will proceed from Gadagadia Ghat via Kataka-in-Kataka to the ORMAS ground to formally inaugurate the fair. She will subsequently attend the inaugural ceremony at the Ganakabi Baishnab Pani stage, the Collector informed at a press conference.
