Bhubaneswar, August 23: With Cuttack gearing up for a series of major festivals from August 27, the Orissa High Court has stepped in to ensure that civic readiness and public safety remain top priorities.
A special bench comprising Justices S.K. Sahoo and V. Narasingh has released a comprehensive set of directives in response to multiple Public Interest Litigations (PILs) highlighting worsening urban conditions in the city. The court stressed the need for coordinated efforts by various authorities to address longstanding civic concerns.
Acknowledging that festivals such as Ganesh Puja, Khudurukuni, Vishwakarma Puja, Dussehra, Kali Puja, Kartikeswar Puja, and the iconic week-long Balijatra hold immense cultural significance, the bench warned that these events also amplify existing infrastructural and public safety challenges.
Recalling last year’s mishap at Badambadi, where an electronic welcome gate collapsed and trapped vehicles, the court directed authorities to ensure all Puja mandaps and gates are structurally sound. It mandated affidavits confirming proper permissions, compliance with safety standards, and issuance of No Objection Certificates only after rigorous checks.
The order also addressed persistent issues such as noise pollution from DJs and firecrackers, reminding officials to enforce the 65-decibel limit previously prescribed by the court.
Expressing criticism of the city’s pothole-ridden roads, the bench called out the lack of accountability in their upkeep and ordered the immediate identification and repair of vulnerable stretches ahead of the festivities.
Other concerns flagged by the court include non-functional streetlights, insufficient fire safety measures at pandals, unsafe drinking water, and the sale of adulterated food. Authorities have been instructed to deploy food safety teams, set up mobile testing units, and raise public awareness on food hygiene.
The bench further emphasised the importance of efficient crowd and traffic management, timely garbage clearance, and stricter regulation of cultural events causing late-night disturbances.
