The Orissa High Court has approved the holding of the annual Cuttack Baliyatra festival on both the upper and lower grounds near Barabati fort, adjacent to the Mahanadi river bank. This decision comes ahead of the festival, set to start on November 15, coinciding with the day of Kartika Purnima.
Previously, the High Court had directed the Cuttack district administration to restrict the festival activities to the lower ground only, proposing the upper ground be used for essential vehicle parking to mitigate traffic congestion. This measure was aimed at addressing civic challenges posed by the festival’s substantial attendance and the limited infrastructure of the connecting roads.
However, after detailed affidavits and personal assurances from the district collector and the city DCP, Justices S K Sahoo and V Narasingh of the Orissa High Court ruled in favor of utilizing both grounds for the festival. They stipulated, though, that from the following year, the upper ground should be reserved solely for parking.
The court has also laid out several directives to the local police to take necessary steps to prevent traffic bottlenecks during the event. Furthermore, the district collector has committed to prohibiting the establishment of temporary shops along the roads leading to the festival grounds to avoid additional disruptions.
In addition to traffic management, the administration plans include the establishment of a green corridor within both festival grounds to facilitate the movement of ambulances and emergency vehicles. Also, two new temporary roads will be constructed to connect the upper and lower grounds, enhancing accessibility and safety.
The district authorities have pledged to take considerable measures to reduce noise and air pollution during the Baliyatra festival, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The festival, known as one of the largest open-air trade fairs in Asia, celebrates the rich maritime heritage of the ancient Kalinga region. It commemorates the return of Odia maritime traders who historically traveled to Southeast Asia, bringing back goods from regions like Bali, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and Sri Lanka.
