Cuttack Bali Yatra 2025: FSSAI certification mandatory for all food stalls, teams to monitor violations

In a major push to strengthen hygiene and public health compliance, the Food Safety Commissionerate of Odisha has made FSSAI certification compulsory for all food stalls operating at this year’s Bali Yatra, which begins on Wednesday in Cuttack.

According to The Times of India reports, stalls without valid FSSAI licences will not be allotted space, which is the first time that such stringent measures have been implemented at the event.

Ahead of the fair, the Food Safety Department organised a series of training sessions and awareness drives for vendors covering hygiene protocols, personal safety equipment, waste disposal, and customer handling. 

The TOI reports added that food sampling, spot checks, and hygiene audits will continue throughout the fair to ensure full compliance.

Further, teams from the department will be stationed across the venue to monitor cleanliness and take immediate action against violators, including possible cancellation of stall permissions.

Cuttack Declared ‘No Drone Zone’

In a parallel move to enhance public safety, the Cuttack District Administration has declared the entire Bali Yatra Ground and surrounding areas as a ‘No Drone Zone’ from November 1 to 15. 

The order, issued by the District Magistrate under the BNSS Act, 2023, bans the operation of drones, paragliders, hot air balloons, and other aerial vehicles within a 5-kilometre radius of the fairgrounds.

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Only authorised government agencies will be permitted to operate drones for surveillance and crowd management purposes. Violators will face seizure of equipment and legal action under existing laws.

The 2025 edition of Bali Yatra, scheduled from November 5 to 12, is expected to draw over 50 lakh visitors, including dignitaries and international guests. To manage the heavy turnout, the district administration has strengthened security arrangements, deployed disaster response units, and coordinated with multiple departments to maintain crowd discipline and emergency preparedness.