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Preparations for Durga Puja have gathered pace in Cuttack, where artisans and organisers are working round the clock ahead of the festival, which is celebrated with much pomp and heritage in the Silver City. At several pandals, clay work on idols has begun, and polishing of the city’s iconic GI-tagged silver filigree backdrops is underway.
Ground visuals reported that the traditional silver ornaments of Maa Durga and her accompanying deities are being cleaned and refurbished by skilled workers. Construction of decorative arches and elaborate pandals has also begun, with artisans reporting no break in activity due to the limited time left.
NOC Applications Processed Through Single-Window System
Meanwhile, the district administration confirmed that the single-window system for issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to puja committees concluded earlier this week.
Under revised rules, committees were required to submit safety verifications, arch designs, and pandal layouts for approval. Officials said more than 130 committees have so far received temporary clearances.
Permanent permissions will only be granted after ground verification of the structures. Cuttack Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde warned that pandals erected without NOCs would face demolition, and cases would be registered against violators.
"Any unauthorised constructions for Durga Puja made on public roads will be viewed seriously and dismantled. We have meticulously drafted SOPs for all pandals to follow, and I would appeal to each one of them to come and receive their NOCs (No Objection Certificates)."
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Over 170 Pandals to Host Goddess Durga
According to the administration, this year, more than 170 pandals will conduct Durga Puja in Cuttack. Committee members said all organisers have agreed to comply with High Court directives and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) laid down by the administration.
However, they have also requested that traditional practices of the festival be preserved while implementing regulations.
"The silver filigree polishing work is underway, and soon the idol preparation work will begin. We welcome every order by the Orissa HC that aims to streamline the Durga Puja for every pandal and ensure a uniform SOP from decoration to crowd management,” said Bikram Chhatoi, secretary of Haripur Puja Committee.
The Cuttack administration will now carry out inspections of the pandal sites before issuing permanent approvals. The Collector said these inspections will cover fire safety measures, structural stability of pandals, and compliance with approved layouts before the Millennium City begins to radiate with festive energy.
