HC Decision Against Cuttack Bali Jatra In Upper Ground To Cause Major Loss, Say Traders

Cuttack: Two days after Orissa High Court ruled that the Upper Ground near Barabati Fort should not be used for Bali Jatra, some businessmen took objection to it on Friday.

Speaking to media persons during registration of plots for the Bali Jatra in the city, the businessmen, who had applied for space in the Upper Ground, said they would sustain major loss if they were deprived of the plots in the trade fair.

“We respect the decision of the High Court. But it came very late as we have already applied for our plots in the Upper Ground of the Jatra area. Now if the administration denies to allot the space to us, we will lose our annual income from the Bali Jatra,” they said.

Stating that they have been doing business in the Bali Jatra, which is visited by people from all over the state, they said they have already invested money for registration of plots and making necessary arrangements for opening the shop.

“We will not only lose our business during the fair but also fail to participate in the historical event of our state. It would have been better if the decision was taken earlier. We request the district administration to postpone the decision for next year and give us sufficient time to participate in the bidding process for allotment of plots in the Lower Ground of river Mahanadi,” they added.

The High Court on Wednesday advised the authorities to organise the Bali Jatra on the Lower Ground and keep the Upper Ground reserved for other purposes.

The High Court made this observation while hearing a petition pertaining to the civic issues of the millennium city. The Court asked the Cuttack Collector to discuss the Bali Jatra issue with the government departments concerned and take the necessary steps. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for November 7.

Also Read: Orissa HC In Favour Of Holding Bali Jatra At ‘Lower Ground’ In Cuttack