Bhubaneswar, Nov 3: Questions have been raised over the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) preparedness as a massive Gajalaxmi idol and its decorative pandal remain partially dismantled on the Jagamara New Airport Road, despite warnings of another spell of heavy rain and strong winds.

A 65-foot-tall idol of Goddess Gajalaxmi was installed during the recent puja celebrations at Jagamara. However, due to the impact of Cyclone Arnab, the immersion process was carried out midway. The idol was damaged during the process, with its head now missing while the remaining lower portion is still standing.

The decorative entrance gate (torana) and parts of the idol have also not been completely removed. The massive structure continues to stand close to the roadside, raising concerns about public safety.

With Cyclone Murisu expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds, fears are growing that the remaining structure could collapse onto the road and cause an accident.

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The incident has also raised questions about whether any lessons have been learnt from the damage to an idol at Patia Club Town, where strong winds brought down the structure. Two people narrowly escaped injury in that incident.

Earlier, BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana had directed organisers to remove all puja pandals and decorative structures ahead of the cyclone. The civic body had also warned of action, including police complaints, against those violating the order.

However, no police complaint has reportedly been filed by the BMC in any such case so far, raising questions over the enforcement of its own warning.