BMC Issues SOP, COVID Protocol To Be Back During Khandagiri Mela In Odisha Capital

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for Khandagiri Mela which is scheduled to begin on January 28 in Odisha capital.

The fair will be organised abiding COVID restrictions near the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri after a gap of two years and will continue for 10 days, BMC sources said.

The zonal deputy commissioner of the Southwest zone will ensure that all the officials, members, and volunteers of the organising committee of the festival are fully vaccinated.

An SOP has also been issued for opera (Jatra) troupes to stage their plays at Khandagiri fair.

The organising committee of the opera show have been asked to ensure the following:

• Ensure that the content of the play should not contain anything which is indecent
• Ensure jatra contents should not disrupt communal harmony and offend the religious sentiments of any section of people
• Ensure COVID protocol while making seating arrangements for the viewers
• Ensure a sufficient number of dustbins are in place for proper disposal of garbage during the meal
• They shall take the necessary steps to limit the sound of the microphone while publishing the content of the opera shows through moving vehicles
• Shall obtain the necessary permission from the electricity department for power connection to the opera shows
• Install an adequate number of CCTVs in and around the opera shed for the safety of viewers
• Arrange toilet and drinking water facilities for the viewers and maintain cleanliness at the venue

The BMC Deputy Commissioner for the Southwest Zone shall ensure that all the office-bearers, members, and volunteers of the organising committee are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, added the SOP.

“It is mandatory for the organising committee to obtain a safety certificate from the authorities concerned before the installation of the shed and stage for the opera shows. There should be an adequate number of fire extinguishers inside the shed,” further stated the SOP.

On the other hand, the civic body has also asked the city health officer and food safety officers to do a quality check of food served to people during the fair.