Bhubaneswar's most anticipated annual open-air fair, a major cultural event that draws thousands of visitors each year, officially kicked off on Sunday with a pronounced emphasis on hygiene and public safety. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has implemented comprehensive measures to maintain cleanliness across the sprawling venue, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Enhanced Sanitation and Monitoring Efforts
To tackle the challenge of cleanliness at the large-scale gathering, the BMC has deployed as many as 120 sanitation workers. These personnel will operate in three shifts daily over the next 12 days, covering the entire fairground to manage waste and uphold sanitation standards. This proactive approach aims to prevent littering and maintain a neat environment throughout the event.
Joint Inspections by Specialized Teams
In addition to the sanitation workforce, the fairground is under strict monitoring by multiple specialized teams. The mobile food safety laboratory team, the sanitation and hygiene inspection for neat environment (SHINE) team, and the food enforcement squad are conducting joint inspections. The SHINE team, established in August 2023, plays a crucial role in ensuring that vendors adhere to sanitation norms and proper waste disposal practices.
Food safety officials have already begun inspecting stalls selling popular items such as sweets, chaat, dahibara, and ghuguni. These raids will continue throughout the mela to prevent the sale of stale or unhygienic food. BMC deputy commissioner Rakesh Patra emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, "The aim is to ensure that visitors don't consume poor quality food and suffer. We found several kiosks storing food without refrigeration for days, which is unacceptable."
Strict Enforcement and Penalties
The SHINE team has been instructed to patrol eateries during peak evening hours to enforce compliance. Vendors who fail to use twin dustbins for dry and wet waste or who litter the surroundings with disposable plates and leftovers will face fines. Civic officials have stressed that strict enforcement is necessary to maintain the mela's reputation as a safe and enjoyable cultural gathering.
Comprehensive Arrangements for Visitors and Participants
The mela has made elaborate arrangements to accommodate a diverse range of participants and activities. This includes provisions for 500 sadhus, seven 'jatra' (theatre) troupes, and over 600 stalls offering food, crafts, and entertainment. With such a massive congregation, maintaining hygiene has become a top priority for the authorities.
Safety and Security Measures
To ensure safety and security, the BMC will install 100 CCTV cameras at the venue. A dedicated 24-hour control room will operate with representatives from all relevant departments to handle emergencies and coordinate responses. The mayor highlighted additional facilities, saying, "We will ensure proper facilities for Naga saints and pilgrims, including toilets, drinking water supply, adequate lighting, and enhanced security. Health camps and mobile toilet units will also be there for the participants."
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
The mela, known for its vibrant atmosphere and spiritual significance, will also honour 144 saints and distinguished personalities. It will feature five mahayajnas aligned with Magha Purnima and Ravi-Pushya Yoga. Alongside these spiritual elements, stalls for traders and temporary cottages for visiting saints will be set up, as confirmed by officials.
With thousands expected to throng the venue daily, the combined efforts of sanitation staff and food safety squads are aimed at keeping the fairground clean and ensuring visitors enjoy the festivities without health risks. The mela is expected to remain a major attraction until its conclusion next week, showcasing Bhubaneswar's rich cultural heritage while prioritizing public well-being.
