Cuttack: Balijatra commemorating the glorious ancient maritime legacy of Kalinga (present-day Odisha) was inaugurated by Information & Public Relations Minister Pradip Kumar Amat on the bank of river Mahanadi here today.
“The historic Balijatra-Cuttack Utsav 2022 has been inaugurated today after a gap of two years due to the Covid pandemic. It has already got state-level recognition. Cuttack is an ancient city its heritage and culture are unique and we are hopeful that it will get recognition at the national level,” said Amat speaking to reporters after the inaugural function.
“This year we are getting a new message in the Balijatra. I am hopeful that this Balijatra will be entertaining and there will be growth in business and commerce in Cuttack,” said Cuttack MP Bhatruhari Mahatab who was the chief speaker at the inaugural function.
Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain, Planning Board Chairman Pramod Mallick, Zilla Parishad President Kishore Mishra, Cuttack Mayor Subash Singh, Barabati-Cuttack MLA Md. Moquim, Choudwar-Cuttack MLA Souvik Biswal, and other MLAs of the district participated in the inaugural function as guests of honour.
Cuttack Collector Bhabani Shankar Chainy presided over the inaugural function.
As many as 55 platoons of policemen have been deployed for Balijatra. In addition to this, four Additional DCPs, 15 ACPs, 35 Inspectors, 80 Sub Inspectors, 200 constables and one platoon of Special Police Force have been deployed.
Close Circuit TV Cameras (CCTV) have been installed at strategic locations inside the Balijatra ground for surveillance purposes.
Similarly, Odisha Fire Service has set up a camp at the Balijatra ground.
Over 1800 stalls have been set up this year, out of which ORMAS has alone set up 450 stalls displaying goods from 28 States made by Self Help Groups.
