Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is gearing up for the Khandagiri Mela, a popular festival that will take place from February 4. To support the event, the BMC has announced a grant of Rs 4 lakh, doubling the amount from last year for Anant Keshari Mela.
A preparatory meeting chaired by Mayor Sulochana Dash was held to discuss arrangements for the festival, which is expected to attract over 1,000 saints from across the country. To accommodate them, special tents, lighting, and drinking water supply will be arranged. The BMC will also set up gates at various entrances, as well as 10 ambulances and fire tender units.
To ensure a smooth and safe experience for visitors, the BMC has taken several measures. Restrictions will be imposed on gypsies, roads will be repaired, and 24-hour cleaning services will be provided. Mobile toilets will be arranged, and service camps for police, medical teams, and other essential services will be set up.
A large police force will be deployed to maintain law and order, assisted by seven squads of BMC and 250 retired soldiers. CCTV cameras will be installed at strategic locations, and a food safety team will monitor the quality and quantity of food sold.
The BMC will set up over 400 stalls for traders, and temporary shop houses or stalls will be allotted to traders. Parking arrangements will be made at 4 locations, and bus services will be provided from parking areas to the Mela grounds. The BMC will also advertise in various newspapers for the allotment of temporary shop houses or stalls to traders. With these arrangements in place, the Khandagiri Mela is expected to be a grand success.
