Cuttack: The Cuttackadministration has prohibited vendors from occupying footpaths near the Bali Yatra ground here during the annual maritime festival, which begins from Friday. The move aims to ensure smooth traffic flow and better crowd management.
Traditionally, nearly 2,000 makeshift vendors from across the state and beyond participate in the fair, with many setting up stalls on footpaths, leading to severe traffic congestion. “Given the massive footfall during the fair, this decision was necessary to facilitate smooth movement of commuters and prevent traffic congestion,” said Cuttack collector Dattatraya Shinde. The restrictions will be enforced on footpaths from Ring Road in Jobra to Chahata square, including upper and lower Bali Yatra grounds, and surrounding areas until Nov 24.
To accommodate the displaced vendors, the administration has identified an 80,000 sq ft area on the lower ground of Bali Yatra. “Considering the vendors’ livelihood, we have designated a specific area near the Cuttack pavilion where they can continue their business by paying a nominal fee of Rs 100 per day,” said sub-collector Jyoti Shankar Ray.
The administration has also arranged for basic amenities, including toilets, drinking water facilities and security personnel, for the vendors’ convenience and safety. Enforcement squads will monitor compliance, with hefty fines to be imposed for those found violating the footpath restrictions.
The Bali Yatra, which commemorates the ancient maritime trade relations of Odisha, attracts lakhs of visitors every year.