Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police have imposed a cap of 1,800 seats per show at Khandagiri Jatra pandals as part of enhanced safety arrangements for the annual festival. The directive, issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, aims to ensure crowd safety and smoother movement within the venues.
As per the new guidelines, Jatra pandals must maintain a minimum three-foot gap between seating rows and create wider internal pathways to facilitate easy crowd dispersal and emergency access. All organising committees have been directed to strictly adhere to these norms.
During a meeting held at Khandagiri Police Station, representatives of six Jatra committees agreed to comply with the order and limit ticket sales accordingly. However, organisers voiced serious concerns over the financial implications of the reduced seating capacity.
Despite anticipating losses of nearly ₹2 lakh per night due to fewer tickets sold, organisers decided not to increase ticket prices, which will remain at ₹300 and ₹250. “We will conduct the Jatra peacefully and in accordance with the administration’s orders,” said organiser Raghunath Mohanty.
Police officials reiterated that the measures were introduced in the interest of public safety, stressing that crowd management and emergency preparedness remain the top priorities during the festival.
-OdishaAge
