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Cuttack: With all preparations reaching their final stages, the millennium city of Cuttack is all set to host the historic Bali Jatra festival, scheduled to begin from November 4.
Like every year, apart from all the other attractions, joyrides and swings are being installed to entertain visitors from across the state. Over a hundred amusement rides are installed in the two grounds- Killa Padia and Mahanadi river bed. For the first time, the festival would introduce amusement rides from Ranchi this year.
Besides, a large number of traders and artists from the state and outside have already set up their stalls at the venue.
"With only one day left for the festival, work is on in full swing. I have been coming to the festival to set up my stall for the last five years. With good weather conditions, I expect to do good business this year," said Prabhat Panda, a trader.
On the other hand, the district administration and the Commissionerate Police have made elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of the festival.
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DCP Satyabrat Bhoi said a total of 50 platoons of police force will be deployed at the site to maintain law and order. Besides, Quick Response Teams (QRTs), anti-terrorist squads and police officials in civil clothes will be engaged during the festival. CCTVs and watch towers will also be installed.
Besides, the police have also taken measures to keep an eye on anti-socials and ensure safety of women, Bhoi added.
However, resentment is still palpable among some traders over plot allotment. This year, plots were allotted to the traders as per the decision of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that led to a shortfall of plots. Sources said during allotment, priority was given to old traders followed by traders from outside the state, women and differently-abled persons. The rest of the plots would be allotted to traders on the last day tomorrow.
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