Vikash Sharma

Bhubaneswar: The annual Bali Yatra fair organised on the Mahanadi river bed in Cuttack will be observed as a State-level festival from this year, informed Housing and Urban Development Minister, Pratap Jena on Friday.

Several departments including Tourism, Culture and Urban Development will provide financial as well as other logistical support for Bali Yatra which draws lakhs of visitors and traders from across the country every year.

“Cuttack district administration had made several demands before the government and it has been decided to provide all kinds of support for organising Bali Yatra in a grand manner. The historic fair will now be observed as a State-level festival from this year,” said Jena after a high-level meeting held at Loka Seva Bhawan today.

Official sources said special grants will be provided by concerned departments for better facilities and infrastructure for visitors coming to Bali Yatra in the millennium city.

Cuttack district Collector Bhawani Shankar Chayani stated that all the problems related to Bali Yatra which were faced by the administration have been resolved.

“The administration will prepare an estimate following which funds will be sanctioned by the government,” said Chayani adding that the government will come up with an official notification in this regard soon.

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