BMC Sets 7-Day Deadline for Road Repairs, Electrical Safety Ahead of Durga Puja

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set a seven-day deadline to repair damaged roads, fix streetlights and address electrical hazards ahead of Durga Puja 2026.

At a review meeting chaired by Mayor Sulochana Das, officials and Puja committee representatives discussed road conditions, sanitation, traffic management, fire safety and idol immersion arrangements. Agencies including GAIL, WATCO and TPCODL have been barred from fresh road excavation, while TPCODL has been directed to remove loose and dangling wires. Encroachments and overhanging branches will also be addressed.

Temporary immersion ponds have been arranged at five locations along the Kuakhai and Daya rivers, with demands for better lighting, wider approach roads and additional cranes and JCB machines. The civic body has identified 36 parking zones to manage crowds and planned special fire-safety measures and Ravan Dahan arrangements.

For security, Bhubaneswar will be divided into three sectors, with 40 police platoons under 300 officers. CRPF companies, NDRF teams, striking forces, Quick Action Teams and Quick Response Teams will support law-and-order arrangements throughout the festival.