Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a waiver of ground rent for puja committees organising Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja and Kali Puja in the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) area during the ongoing festive season.

The exemption will also cover arrangements for Ravan Podi, immersion ceremonies and cultural programmes associated with the festivities, said the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Wednesday.

The Chief Minister took the decision keeping in view the social and cultural significance of these festivals and the enthusiasm among people during the festive season. The move is expected to provide relief to puja committees organising various community celebrations across the city, added the CMO.

The ground rent waiver will remain effective from October 17 to November 18 this year.

Majhi also urged puja committees to organise the celebrations peacefully and maintain law and order. He further appealed to the committees to ensure that the festivities are conducted in an environmentally friendly manner.