Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary Tuesday said that the traditional Magha Saptami Mela organised at Khandagiri with much fanfare every year will not be held this year in view of Covid-19 pandemic.
However, the usual rituals of Magha Saptami may be conducted in strict adherence to Covid safety protocols, said the BMC Commissioner.
Despite the assurance from Jatra Committee that had submitted proposals and undertakings to abide by Covid-19 safety protocols, the BMC observed that due to the ongoing expansion work on NH-16 the road being used is extremely narrow and there will be serious traffic snarl if the opera shows are allowed.
The BMC Commissioner also said that the law and order issue due to the congregation of a large number of people will be a cause of concern. Further, there will be no space available on the road to accommodate temporary erection of stalls. “There is apprehension that maintenance of social distancing as per Covid-19 safety protocol will be impossible due to expected large congregation which will endanger public safety, read the order, adding, “Now, therefore, in view of public safety it has been decided that the Magha Saptami Mela (Khandagiri Mela) will not be held for this year.”
It’s worth mentioning here that a writ petition was filed in Orissa High Court seeking a directive to allow the ‘Khandagiri Mela’. But the court dismissed the petition and directed the local authorities to take a decision in this regard.