Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Thursday granted approval for the construction of six tall decorative gates for the upcoming Durga Puja festival at key locations in Cuttack city.
The HC’s order comes as a major relief for Puja committees and devotees, as there had been uncertainty over whether permission would be granted for large decorative structures this year.
As per the HC order, six prominent Durga Puja venues in the city — Ranihaat, Chandini Chowk, Badambadi, Khan Nagar, Malgodown, and Shikharpur – have been granted permission to erect tall gates (Toranas). Known for erecting towering decorative gates, these locations attract massive crowds during the Puja season every year.
While the Court laid emphasis on strict compliance of the standard operating procedures (SOP) and safety measures, the authorities concerned have also been instructed to maintain public convenience, traffic flow, and overall security during the festival days.