Allocation of plots for stalls at Bali Yatra ground begins

Cuttack: After the deadlock over the ‘mandatory’ no objection certificate (NOC) ended today, the process of allocation of plots for setting up stalls at the Bali Yatra ground here began on Sunday.

The Traders’ Association and district administration had been at loggerhead after the latter, on Friday, released a fresh notification after fixing the rent of the stalls and made NOC compulsory for allotment of plots.

The traders’ association opposed the move and said that the stalls would not be opened if the NOC decision was not withdrawn.

The stalemate ended only after the district administration revoked its decision today.

Earlier, the traders had expressed dissatisfaction over the charges (Rs 33 per square feet) for setting up of stalls during the Bali Yatra.

It is pertinent to mention that the Cuttack district administration had decided to allot plots from November 5; however, it could not begin on the scheduled date due to the impasse over the NOC.

The historic ‘Bali Yatra’ festival in Cuttack, beginning November 23, will be held for 11 days this year instead of seven days.