Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and commissionerate police will jointly inspect Durga Puja pandals across the city after weather warnings indicated the possibility of heavy rain and gusty winds during the festive period. The civic body has ordered safety checks of temporary structures, electrical wiring, entry gates, decorative installations, hoardings and vulnerable trees, with repairs and other corrective measures to be completed by October 12.
BMC directed its zonal deputy commissioners to begin immediate preventive action across all municipal zones. In a communication to the officials, the civic body cited an impending cyclonic storm and severe weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department. “In view of the impending cyclonic storm and severe weather forecast issued by the IMD, immediate preventative and precautionary measures must be taken across all zones under the BMC,” the letter stated, according to the Times of India.
The inspections will focus on temporary pandals, entry gates and decorative structures to determine whether they are stable and capable of withstanding strong winds. Puja committees have been asked to reinforce weak structures and remove vulnerable overhead gates that could collapse during adverse weather. Decorative lighting installed on road medians will not be permitted under the directions.
BMC additional commissioner Kailash Chandra Dash said strong winds and heavy rainfall could create risks from unstable temporary structures, overhead electrical wiring and large hoardings. The civic body has instructed officials to identify and address these hazards before they affect festival visitors, pedestrians or traffic movement.
A joint electrical safety audit will examine temporary power connections, wiring arrangements, generator locations and earthing systems at puja venues. Loose, exposed or unsafe electrical installations will be repaired or disconnected immediately, the civic body said. The checks are intended to reduce the risk of electric shocks, short circuits and fires in crowded festival areas.
The citywide drive will also cover commercial hoardings, flex banners, billboards and temporary display frames. Damaged, oversized, weak or unauthorised structures will be removed to limit the possibility of collapse during high winds. These installations can pose risks not only around pandals but also along roads and other public spaces used by festival-goers.
BMC is also setting up emergency communication channels connecting puja committees, field supervisors and response teams. The system is intended to support faster action if weather-related incidents occur during the celebrations. The civic body has not detailed the number of pandals or structures covered by the inspection order.
Separately, BMC has launched a tree-trimming operation using a 26-metre hydraulic ladder. The work is aimed at removing vulnerable branches that could fall on pedestrians, vehicles or roads during strong winds and rain. Zonal officials have been directed to submit compliance reports to the civic body on the evening of October 12 after completing inspections and safety rectification work.
