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Baliyatra a big hit

CUTTACK: Barring a minor accident in a stunt show-Maut Ka Kuan, the week-long grand festival of Baliyatra ended here late on Sunday evening successfully with over 10 lakh revellers visiting the fair grounds on the last day.

It was estimated that nearly 25 lakh visitors thronged Baliyatra over the week and the local administration; particularly the Police Department heaved a sigh of relief as with the end of Baliyatra the puja festivities in the city which had begun with Ganesh Puja in August also ended with immersion of Lord Kartikeswar on Sunday.

“The credit for the successful completion of Baliyatra goes to the entire line departments who ensured that all provisions at the fair grounds are well maintained for the safety and security of the people”, said the district Collector Kishore Kumar Mohanty.

The local civic body, electricity company, public health department, fire brigade, culture department and police organisation and many other voluntary organisations, including NCC students extended their wholehearted cooperation for the fair, Mohanty added.

The city DCP A.N. Sinha, who was personally supervising the entire security and traffic in the city during this festival, too was elated as the festival ended without any major untoward law and order problem.

“Although, this year’s gathering at the fair grounds were unexpectedly high than any previous years, everything went off smoothly for the cooperation of people of the city”, he said.

But Friday’s minor mishap in one of the stunt shows however, was the only blot in this year’s festival.

A steel staircase gave way due to heavy rush at one of the shows injuring at least seven people.

Although, the injuries were minor, yet the accident left deep wound on the arrangements of the fair putting everybody in panic.

The police however, acted swiftly after the incident, shutting the shows of the Maut Ka Kuan and arresting three members of the stunt show, including its owner. “All three arrested persons were forwarded to court on Monday”, said the local police station inspector.

Meanwhile, it was estimated that business worth over Rs. 25 crore was made in this year Baliyatra where over 1,300 makeshift stalls were erected.

The district administration too has collected nearly Rs. 40 lakh as ground rent from the stall owners which would go straight to the State exchequer, sources said.

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