Cuttack: The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has planned to cover the Bali Yatra ground with carpets to tackle dust pollution during the upcoming annual trade fair.
CMC sources said the civic body has discussed the issue with the owners of some big tent houses in the city.
“Dusts at the fairground especially at Talapadia (lower ground) used to trouble the visitors every year. We have planned to cover the fairground with carpets by spending around Rs 8 lakh,” said CMC commissioner Sarat Chandra Nayak.
The CMC used to sprinkle water on the fairground twice a day during Bali Yatra to make the venue dust-free. According to sources, CMC authorities have asked a few tent house owners to submit samples of the carpets and estimates for the project at the earliest.
“The Bali Yatra ground was covered with carpets for a meeting of the Prime Minister in May this year. The fairground can be covered with carpets for the annual trade fair. However, movement of vehicles is likely to damage the carpets. The CMC should look into the issue,” said a tent house owner.
It is learnt that the CMC would ask the traders to erect their stalls prior to the laying of carpets at the fairground. “We would discuss the issue with traders, electricity department and all other stakeholders,” Nayak said.
Traders, meanwhile, welcomed the initiative. “The annual fair would attract more visitors if the civic authorities take steps to resolve issues related to dust,” said Bali Yatra traders’ association secretary Pinu Mohanty.