Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed officials to repair damaged roads and resolve electricity-related issues near Durga Puja pandals within seven days, as the city gears up for the festive season. A total of 195 puja pandals will host Goddess Durga across the capital city this year.
A preparatory meeting for Durga Puja 2026 was held under the chairmanship of BMC Mayor Sulochana Das to review arrangements for the smooth, safe and orderly celebration of the festival across Bhubaneswar.
The meeting was attended by BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana, Additional Commissioners Sasmita Sahu and Kailash Chandra Das, chairpersons of all standing committees, corporators, the City Engineer, Chief Fire Officer (CFO), BMC officials and representatives of various Durga Puja committees.
Senior officials from Bhubaneswar Police, Traffic Police, the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL), WATCO and Fire Services also participated. Zonal commissioners, deputy commissioners, executive engineers and assistant commissioners of the civic body were present.
The discussions focused on coordinated planning, preparedness, infrastructure repairs, public safety, traffic management, sanitation and arrangements for idol immersion.
Puja committees raised concerns over the poor condition of roads, potholes and non-functional streetlights in several areas. They also sought the removal of encroachments and overhanging tree branches to ensure the smooth movement of processions during idol immersion.
Commissioner Chanchal Rana said work orders for road repairs had already been issued and the work would begin shortly. Zonal commissioners have also been directed to inspect the remaining puja pandals in their jurisdictions and submit reports on the ground situation.
The civic body has restricted agencies such as GAIL, WATCO and TPCODL to repairing roads that have already been dug up, with no fresh excavation permitted at present.
Five temporary ponds for idol immersion
As in previous years, temporary ponds have been created at five locations along the Kuakhai and Daya rivers for the immersion of Durga idols.
Police and puja committees have proposed adequate lighting at the immersion sites, widening of approach roads and improved arrangements to ensure the orderly immersion of idols. They have also called for additional cranes and JCB machines to facilitate the process.
The BMC has made arrangements for 36 parking areas to manage the expected rush during the festivities. Special attention will be given to fire safety, while arrangements have also been planned for Ravan Dahan.
The civic authorities have instructed TPCODL to remove loose and dangling electrical wires along roads to prevent accidents during the celebrations. Food safety inspections will be intensified during the festive period. The BMC has also warned of strict action against those obstructing roads by dumping construction waste or storing other materials in public spaces.
Authorities have urged puja committees to avoid obscene dances during the celebrations and immersion processions. The Commissionerate Police has drawn up an extensive security plan to ensure peaceful Durga Puja celebrations across Bhubaneswar.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Saravana Vivek M said the 195 puja pandals had been categorised into A, B and C groups based on crowd size and sensitivity to determine the level of security required.
The capital city has been divided into three sectors, with 40 platoons of police force to be deployed under the leadership of 300 police officers. Three companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, along with striking forces, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Quick Action Teams and Quick Response Teams, will assist in maintaining law and order.
Police personnel in plain clothes will patrol sensitive locations, while temporary police assistance centres will be established at various places across the city.
Security will be strengthened at pandals displaying gold and silver crowns and elaborate decorative structures. Puja committees have also been instructed to install CCTV cameras at their pandals following meetings with assistant commissioners of police and inspectors-in-charge.
Plainclothes personnel and women police officers will be deployed to prevent pickpocketing, snatching, theft and other antisocial activities in crowded areas.
Special arrangements are also being made for traffic management and parking. The police have appealed to people not to park vehicles on roads or drive against the designated traffic flow.
Surveillance on criminals and social media
As part of its preventive measures, the police are keeping a close watch on criminals recently released from jail. Jail parades are being conducted every Sunday, and police station officers have been instructed to ensure that accused persons released on bail report regularly to their respective police stations.
Social media monitoring has also been intensified during the festive period. The police have warned that strict action will be taken against individuals spreading rumours or circulating videos intended to create disorder or instil fear among the public.
Authorities have appealed to citizens to cooperate with the police, follow traffic regulations and use social media responsibly to ensure peaceful and hassle-free Durga Puja celebrations.
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