Bhubaneswar: Preparations are in full swing to observe Cuttack’s famous Balijatra as a state-level festival.
A high level meeting to review preparations for the grand event was held at the Convention Centre in the Lok Seva Bhawan here.
The meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra. Additional Chief Secretary Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Madhusudan Padhi made a presentation on the management of the event and matters related to finance at the meeting.
It was decided at the meeting to organize Balijatra from November 8 to 16 this year.
Chief Secretary Mahapatra directed for participation of more artists and craftsmen from different districts of Odisha.
Mahapatra directed concerned departments to complete ahead of schedule all arrangements for road connectivity to the Balijatra ground, traffic management, enough parking place, demarcation of plots for erection of stalls, electricity connection, sanitation, health care and law and order, etc.
Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and Housing & Urban Development department were instructed to provide an adequate number of drinking water tankers, temporary bio-toilets, etc in the Balijatra grounds.
Mahapatra directed the distribution company to provide electricity connection to the Balijatra ground through cable.
Arrangements for water sports, desert bike riding, etc. also featured during discussions at the meeting.
Padhi informed that this year Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department will provide more folk art, music and dance troupes.
The Chief Secretary directed organizing Balijatra in accordance with the guidelines of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
