Bhubaneswar, Odisha : Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja chaired a high-level preparatory meeting at Lokseva Bhavan on Monday to finalize arrangements for the historic Odisha Balijatra 2025. Officials and department heads attended the meeting to coordinate security, traffic management, and festival organization. The Chief Secretary instructed all teams to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely, considering the expected large crowds.
Shri Ahuja emphasized that every department must actively manage crowd control, fire safety, parking, and emergency services. He asked teams to coordinate their efforts and monitor the festival areas closely. He highlighted the festival’s significance as a cultural and commercial gathering that unites communities, languages, and traditions, giving Odisha a unique platform to showcase its heritage.
The Chief Secretary stressed that Balijatra attracts lakhs of visitors every year and generates substantial business. Last year, more than 60 prominent companies participated, generating ₹200 crore in trade, including ₹50 crore during the first days. This year, officials anticipate over 70 lakh visitors, making detailed planning essential.
District officials and police authorities outlined traffic control measures, parking arrangements, and crowd supervision strategies. The Police Control Room will coordinate emergency services, women and child protection units, and district safety teams. Shri Ahuja insisted that authorities provide clear signage, visible instructions, and coordinated monitoring to guide visitors efficiently.
Officials also actively reviewed infrastructure and amenities. Departments are upgrading roads, organizing parking spaces, and ensuring electricity and water supply to festival areas. Municipal authorities arranged sanitation and food safety measures, while cultural committees finalized stalls, exhibitions, and performance stages.
The festival will showcase the theme “Odia Identity – Our Language, Our Literature.” Organizers will host discussions, workshops, and awards for local artists. The government will actively promote small, medium, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) through exhibitions, providing them a platform to display their products. Local and international performers will entertain visitors, adding vibrancy to the cultural program.
Shri Ahuja highlighted Balijatra’s role in promoting public engagement, preserving tradition, and boosting commerce, culture, and tourism. He called on every stakeholder to ensure visitors experience a safe, vibrant, and well-managed festival.
Senior officials present included Cuttack District Collector Shri Dattatreya Bhausaheb Sinde, State Development Commissioner, Tourism Commissioner, Health & Family Welfare Commissioner, and heads of cultural and administrative departments. They actively reviewed all preparations and provided recommendations to streamline the event.
The high-level meeting reflects Odisha’s commitment to a successful Balijatra 2025, where tradition, commerce, and culture converge under careful management. Authorities will implement safety, convenience, and entertainment measures to make the festival enjoyable for all participants.
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