Paradip, Nov 4: The much-awaited Kalinga Baliyatra commences in Paradip today with great enthusiasm. As per tradition, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will inaugurate the state’s grand maritime festival, while the Governor is scheduled to attend the celebratory event.

The following day, the Chief Minister will also inaugurate the Boita Bandana Utsav, organized by the Paradip Port Authority. Anticipation runs high among the people of Paradip, who are preparing to welcome the Chief Minister with excitement and pride.

Speaking about the preparations, Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said that this year’s Baliyatra will be organized on an unprecedented scale. On Monday, DIG Satyajit Mohanty, along with District Collector J. Sonal and SP Ankit Kumar Verma, reviewed the arrangements at the Bali Yatra ground and held discussions with officials from various departments.

According to DIG Mohanty, elaborate security and logistical arrangements have been made, including route charts, helipad facilities, control rooms, and traffic management systems. A total of 21 platoons of police personnel and 40 senior officers will be deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. Forces from other districts have also been mobilized for the occasion.

DIG Mohanty emphasized that the Kalinga Baliyatra holds special significance not only for Jagatsinghpur district but for the entire state of Odisha.

Among those present during the preparatory meeting were District Collector J. Sonal, SP Ankit Kumar Verma, Paradip Municipality Chairperson Basanta Biswal, Additional District Magistrate Niranjan Behera, and Municipal Executive Officer Abhishek Panda, along with several senior administrative officials.

With elaborate arrangements and high-level participation, this year’s Kalinga Baliyatra promises to be one of the most spectacular celebrations in recent years.