Cuttack, Sept 18: With Durga Puja 2026 approaching, the Cuttack district administration has introduced a Single Window System to ensure smooth, safe and peaceful celebrations across the city.

The system will become operational at Barabati Palace from Friday. Puja committees can apply for NOCs from September 18 to 21, between 10 am and 5 pm.

Under the system, the R&B Department will issue infrastructure safety certificates, the District Fire Officer will provide fire safety certificates, while TPCODL will issue electrical safety certificates for puja pandals and other structures.

However, several puja committee presidents have questioned the offline process, saying an online application system could have reduced crowds and made the four-day NOC process more convenient.