Cuttack administration introduces single-window clearance for Durga Puja celebrations

Cuttack: In a major relief for Durga Puja organisers, the Cuttack administration announced a single-window clearance system for granting permission to erect welcome arches and decorative gates across the city, aimed at ensuring safety and regulating traffic movement.

The process began on Friday at Barabati palace.For the first time, a nodal officer along with a dedicated team has been assigned to handle applications from Puja committees. Once an application is submitted, officials conduct visits to pandals to verify adherence to safety norms, particularly regarding structural stability, road width and public movement. Only after satisfactory inspection, a no-objection certificate (NOC) is issued by the district magistrate.Earlier, the administration had imposed restrictions on the construction of such gates citing safety concerns and the need for proper crowd management. With the new mechanism, the administration aims to streamline the process while ensuring public convenience and safety.The guidelines clearly stated that no arch should obstruct traffic or restrict road space. All gates must be erected during the night to avoid congestion and dismantled immediately after Durga Puja concludes.

“Our priority is to uphold the grandeur of Cuttack Dussehra while ensuring the safety and convenience of citizens. The single-window system is designed to simplify procedures for Puja committees while enforcing strict compliance with safety norms,” said Dattatreya Bhausaheb Shinde, Cuttack collector.“There is no need to go to different offices which delays the process. The new system will help the Puja committees to get their clearances immediately after submitting required documents,” added Shinde.“We welcome the administration’s single-window clearance system. It will save us from the lengthy paperwork and delays that we faced earlier. Inspection and safety verification by officials will also give devotees confidence to visit our pandals without worry,” said Prafulla Sahoo, secretary, Khannagar Puja Committee.Six major pandals will erect gigantic gates and over 40 committees will erect mid-size gates across the city.Cuttack’s Dussehra is known for its elaborate decorations, cultural programmes and massive public participation.