Cuttack: Historical Bali Jatra that commemorates the maritime glory of Odisha will kick off from November 4 in the silver city amidst security, informed Cuttack Collector Sushant Mohapatra here today.

Security will be tightened during the Bali Jatra this year, he said after a team of officials led by him conducting inspection in Bali Jatra ground on Wednesday.

Bali Jatra will be held in area of 37 acre lower ground and 10 acre upper ground. It will conclude on November 10.

Giving opportunity to old traders and participants, they will be given priority in allotment of stalls. After allotting the stalls to them, the new applicants will be considered.

However, the stall fee has been hiked to Rs 24 per sqft from Rs 22 per sqft.

The district administration has been asked to take additional care and initiatives ensuring that Mahanadi River never gets polluted due to the seven-day long event on the river bank.

Earlier, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had directed the government to stop organising Bali Jatra on the Mahanadi river bank in the wake of river pollution.

However, considering the significance behind holding the Bali Jatra in the city, the tribunal later allowed continuing the event in the area.

Also Read: Famous Bali Jatra festival to be celebrated in Odisha capital!