The Orissa High Court has issued a series of directions to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of upcoming festivals in Cuttack, beginning with Ganesh Puja on August 27, stressing that “public safety cannot be compromised for celebration.”
Court’s Suo Motu Intervention
A division bench of Justice S.K. Sahoo and Justice V. Narasingh took suo motu cognisance of recurring civic failures during festivities and passed detailed orders to address concerns related to public safety, traffic management, and civic amenities.
The bench recalled last year’s collapse of an electronic gate at Badambadi, warning that unregulated pandals, unsafe bamboo structures, and decorative arches on public roads posed a grave risk to citizens.
Directions to Authorities
The court ordered strict curbs on:
- Pandals and bamboo structures blocking public roads and footpaths.
- Unregulated electronic welcome gates, requiring prior permissions and structural safety checks.
- Unsafe road conditions, directing action against contractors responsible for pothole-ridden and hazardous stretches.
Authorities were also asked to file affidavits on traffic control, noise and air pollution, fire safety compliance, drinking water supply, and illumination of non-functional streetlights.
Public Health and Safety Measures
To protect citizens during the festive season, the HC directed:
- Action against adulterated street food vendors.
- Deployment of dedicated clean-up teams for waste management.
- Regulation of cultural programme timings and curbs on late-night noise.
- Enhanced policing to prevent crimes and ensure order.
Directives to Puja Committees
The court placed special responsibility on puja committees to:
- Prioritise fire safety and crowd control.
- Ensure disciplined immersion practices.
- Install CCTV surveillance for security monitoring.
- Follow eco-friendly norms for celebrations.
The bench further stressed zero tolerance towards forced donations, a practice often reported during festivals.
