Bhubaneswar, Oct 10: Around 195 Durga Puja pandals are expected to be set up across Bhubaneswar this year, prompting the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Commissionerate Police to step up preparations for crowd management, traffic control, cleanliness and security during the festival.

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BMC Mayor Sulochana Das, who chaired a preparatory meeting, said the civic body was focusing on eight key areas to ensure smooth celebrations and prevent inconvenience to residents and visitors. She called for coordinated efforts by puja committees and government agencies to manage the festivities across the city.

The number of pandals is expected to rise from around 190 last year to 195 this year.

Road Repairs to Be Completed in Seven Days

The Mayor directed officials to complete the repair and maintenance of major roads within the next seven days. No new road-cutting or excavation work will be allowed until the end of the Durga Puja festivities, except for essential repair work.

Officials have also been asked to remove construction debris lying along roads and ensure that major stretches remain clear for traffic.

The civic body will closely monitor Janpath and other major roads, particularly road medians and openings, to prevent congestion during the festival. Arrangements have also been made to address illegal parking along important stretches.

Bomikhal, Damana and Jharpada Roads in Focus

During the meeting, puja organisers raised concerns about damaged roads and inadequate street lighting in several parts of the capital.

The condition of the Bomikhal road, the stretch from Tarini Temple towards Damana, and the Jharpada-Kesura road figured prominently in the discussions.

Officials were instructed to take prompt corrective measures. The Bomikhal road will be levelled, while dust-control measures will also be undertaken.

The Mayor further directed officials to restore the non-functional high-mast light at Saheed Nagar and ensure adequate illumination along major routes used by devotees.

Security at 195 Puja Pandals

Commissionerate Police officials informed the meeting that the 195 Durga Puja pandals have been divided into different categories to facilitate security planning.

A single-window system is already operational to coordinate with puja committees and provide the necessary permissions.

Special security arrangements will be made at pandals featuring silver and gold medhas, where large gatherings are expected. In addition, seven control rooms will operate across Bhubaneswar to monitor the situation and coordinate responses during the festival.

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Around 300 police officers and 40 platoons of force are expected to be deployed across the city.

CCTV cameras will also be installed at all puja pandals to strengthen surveillance and help manage crowds.

Fire Safety and Essential Services

Fire safety arrangements were also reviewed during the preparatory meeting. Officials said three fire-safety units are planned for different zones to respond to emergencies during the celebrations.

The BMC is also prioritising cleanliness, food safety and the availability of essential services around puja venues.

Mayor Sulochana Das emphasised the need for coordination among civic authorities, police, puja committees and other departments to ensure that devotees can visit the pandals safely and comfortably.

With around 195 pandals planned across Bhubaneswar, the administration is focusing on road maintenance, lighting, parking, security and emergency preparedness to ensure safe and hassle-free Durga Puja celebrations in the capital.